Yesterday I turned 30 at 38,000 feet somewhere over Nevada. I was flying JetBlue Mint Class with Lucky and just past the stroke of midnight he came over from his Mint Suite to mine and rubbed in that I was now an old man wished me a happy birthday. I feel no different today than I did yesterday, but there does seem to be a generational dread over turning 30, the symbolic death knell to all claims of youth.
I am indeed an “old man” now — a married homeowner with a child on the way! I’m blessed actually and thankful for the maturity that 30 years have brought, even as I sometimes question the very odd career path I have taken for someone who studied political science and law.
We live in an anxious world and in anxious times and we have a tendency to compare ourselves to others and falsely assume the grass is always greener on the other side. It’s not, that I know for sure. Would my career have been in a very differ net (better) place had I done things differently over the last several years? Perhaps, or perhaps not.
There is no going back, only forward and yes, although some clients do make me want to tear my hair out in frustration, I am thankful for the ability to work from home, travel the world, be my own boss, all while making money doing what I love at Award Expert. I am also thankful for the voice I have on this blog and the chance to share my travel experiences and insight with you. Flying China Eastern, Qatar, Royal Air Maroc, Saudia, Pakistan, and JetBlue was not a bad way to spend the last week of my 20s, was it?
People say the 30s are the greatest decade in life and while I surely hope that my 30s will be wonderful, each day is simply a byproduct of what we make of it and I choose this day to thank all of you for your loyalty through my “Roaring ’20s”.
Courtesy of Pintrest
Happy Dirty 30!!! I too will probably spent my birthday on a plane as I am planning a dirty 30 celebration, but as my birthday is a monday, I will spend my time of birth actually on a plane flying back to work 🙁
Cheers Matt! Happy 30th!
Dear Matt,
Happy 30th birthday! I was fortunate enough to see you at your presentation in DC 2 yrs ago. You have so much more to look forward to, can’t wait to see more of your reports here.
Have a blessed day!
J
Happy belated birthday Matt! I spent my birthday on an airplane too! I turned 38 with Etihad this year and I thoroughly enjoyed it. And yes I will concur, my 20s were fun but I had more fun and enjoyed life more in my 30s. 30 is the new 21. You’re just getting started.
Happy belated birthday, Matthew! And congrats on the new addition!
Happy birthday and CONGRATULATIONS to you and your wife on your new addition!!