Today is my birthday. My 6th 29th birthday to be exact. Who was it that said…
"Don’t trust anyone over 30"?
That always cracked me up, even when I was in my 20s. Don’t younger people realize they WILL be 30 one day. I mean, if they are lucky enough to live that long.
I think being in my 30s is AWESOME! Some may hold on to their youth but I’m a completely different person then my younger self…
That’s me on my 25th birthday in 2001 (I could not find one birthday photo of myself from 2000, I was at my heaviest then and not really into getting photographed) and me last night showing off a new dress I bought at the beach for facebook.
Besides the weight differences I see two completely different people in those pictures. My mid 20s were filled with self-doubt, insecurities, low self esteem, and self pity. I was preoccupied with trying to lower the number on the scale but not really willing to make the necessary lifestyle changes to sustain a weight loss. I took extreme unhealthy measures to try to lose weight. I wore nothing but oversized t-shirts and mens jeans to hide my body. I didn’t really DO anything except watch TV, go to the movies and eat out. Frankly, I was miserable.
My life is completely different now most notably in the DOing department. Now I DO things all the time. I run. I play. I dance. I take walks. I dabble in photography. I blog. I even fly kites. ;) I live an active lifestyle that maintains my weight and I try real hard to disconnect myself from some stupid number on some stupid scale. I’m all about living consciously and balanced. I may still have a smidgen of self-doubt but with every passing year is gets smaller and smaller. I am happy. Actually….. I’m happier then happy. I am content with who I am. <--- wow.. it took me a long time to get there.
I let my 20s fly right by me wasting too much time feeling sorry for myself. I refuse to do the same in my 30s. I’m four years in and taking life by the horns. Who’s with me?
62 Responses to 20s vs. 30s
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What's Cooking in my kitchen?
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I've never had a tuna melt. Is that weird? I guess that's what happens when you grow up not liking mayonnaise. I never ate tuna salad or egg salad or chicken salad. Honestly, they always kind of grossed me out. Then I realized.. hey.. why does tuna salad have [...] -
I have no idea where this idea came from. I was hungry. It was lunch. I had Brussels Sprouts. That was all the catalyst I needed.:) I decided to use a slice of real bacon to add flavor and little fat that would help sauté the sprouts. I'm trying [...] -
WOW was this good. I mean seriously good. It's not vegetarian so don't start throwing stones. I'm calling it a Garden Vegetable Burger because I use the new Laughing Cow Smooth Sensations Garden Vegetable Cream Cheese Spread. It was this recipe on Allrecipes.com that inspired [...] -
I drink water 99.9% of the time but every so often it just doesn't cut it. I want something else. Something more. Something slightly sweet. Today was one of those days. I decided to make a refreshing drink based on the famous Arnold Palmer, half lemonade and half iced [...] -
The other day I made a whole chicken on the grill in pieces. It was delicious! Just a little BBQ sauce and an open flame is all I need to make The Husband happy in the dinner department. I also picked up a few ears of corn from the grocery store. They aren't in season [...] -
Let me explain so you don't think I'm making a chili recipe and just put it on pizza. I'm calling this vegetarian Chili Pizza because chili is what inspired flavors. I think I told you. Little Bean is really into, well, BEANS! We go through a can about every 2 days. Yesterday [...] -
I've confessed my inability to follow recipes here on GreenLiteBites many, many times. I don't know why it's so hard for me. I can barely follow some of my own and I wrote the darn things! I think most of my problem stems from not having all the ingredients listed and, [...] -
Leftover brown rice and leftover sauce meet in this quick lunch idea inspired by my favorite food of all time: Pizza. I swear I can turn anything into a pizza concoction. Have you seen all my pizza ideas? I've used everything from pumpkin to zucchini, polenta to wontons. Nothing is off [...] -
This isn't a recipe just an idea I had to share. I can't believe how good it was! I've never had grilled pineapple. Can you believe it? I just never really had the desire to grill it before. When you love something raw sometimes it doesn't occur to you to cook it. [...] -
I whipped this up for lunch on a whim today because, well, I have a baby who's obsessed with three things… Cheese, Beans, and Avocado. No, really. Look... It's my go to meal for him so I find myself with beans and avocado readily available. [...] -
You know that tradition 7 Layer Mexican Dip? The one with the cream cheese, guacamole, salsa, lettuce, cheese, green onion and olives? Yea. That's the one. Well I had a craving for it the other day. Well, not exactly for it as I can never make anything the way it's suppose [...] -
If you go through the archives of GreenLiteBites I have about 5 total beef recipes. Five. Compare that to the 80+ I have tagged with chicken/turkey there's a clear winner in the meat department on my blog and in my home. I don't have a beef with beef (omg The Husband [...] -
I'm a kitchen sink smoothie maker. Whatever I have on hand goes in the blender and viola! A quick breakfast or a healthy snack. Last year I posted an "Elastic Approach" to how I make smoothies but I still like to share specific combinations that worked really well. This was one [...] -
The other night it was just the kids and I home for dinner and I decided to make what I wanted to make no holds barred. Without The Husband home it's much easier for some reason. Hmmm wonder why? Ok, not here to husband bash.. really.. I'm not! I'm here [...] -
*sigh* I was really hoping to share an awesome turkey burger idea. I had grand plans for my leftover ground turkey. The results was alright but they could have been so much better. I added diced pineapple, red pepper, green pepper, oats and soy sauce to the meat and formed 2 patties. In hindsight I [...] -
I made this on a total whim yesterday having no idea if it would work. To my surprise it did AND the husband actually said he liked it... UNSOLICITED! Here's the story. I had only 4 tilapia fillets defrosted for dinner. I knew it wasn't going to be enough for us [...] -
This is a slight reboot of a recipe I posted last year simply called Sweet Potato and Black Bean Chili. Staying true to my use-what-I-have-on-hand roots I, well, used what I had on hand and made a similar dish with a spicy twist. Topping the result with avocado added a cool creaminess that [...] -
Did you hear? The Laughing Cow recently launched Smooth Sensations a line of 5 cream cheese spreads. There's Classic Cream, Classic Cream Light, Strawberries & Cream, Garden Vegetable and my favorite… Cinnamon. It's a sweet wedge of creamy goodness! Today I decided to use my new favorite flavor [...] -
Confession time, I recorded a 30 minute video making this with both kids (partally) 2 nights ago. I miss videos. I really do but they seem so much more difficult with 2 children. I'm also having technical difficulties with my video recording and audio syncing making it VERY time consuming to edit. [...] -
A couple of years ago I shared a modified version of Sloppy Joe's I made for a party. Everyone loved it but I've been wanting to try to make something similar for the family on a smaller scale and without the pre-made canned Manwich sauce. I don't particularly have any issues [...] -
Yesterday I was dreaming about a salad. Not just any salad, but a chickpea filled, cucumber, and red onion salad with a fun, tangy dressing. Unfortunately, I had no cucumber or red onion. Well, that's a lie. I had a half of cucumber but it was a mushy mess and [...] -
Dinner meals are getting harder and harder for me to share lately. I've gone back to just whipping things up without really measuring anything (this meal was going to be one of those until I realized I still had enough light to take some photos.) I've also instituted a few brainless meal nights [...] -
Three years ago I posted a video called "Makin' Hard Boiled Eggs" where I shared my system for, well... making hard boiled eggs. Genius name, I know. I'm smart like that. Anyway, since then I've gotten tons of feedback and comments thanking me but all the information is locked in a long winded 10 minute [...] -
Yup. You read that correctly. BEET as in those red vegetables that stain your fingers pink. Honestly, I have no idea what possessed me to make this. I don't particularly like beets. I mean I like them, but I don't looove them. Two summers ago I made them for [...] -
Yesterday I decided to rediscover simple foods. Part of my cooking slump has to do with over thinking. So I did what I used to do, simply react to what I have on hand. This is what I came up with... Starting from top left around.., [...]
About Roni
Roni started this blog in '05 to journal her weight loss. 70lbs later, she's committed to living a conscious, healthy life and hopes to inspire others along the way. Read more on the about page.
Happy Birthday!!!
You are beautiful in both pictures but in the first picture your eyes are screaming “hurry up and take the damn picture!” and in the second you are all, “hello, I am here and I am Roni!”
You look great (inside & out)!!
much love, XOX
Love it! I am 6 yrs into my 30′s & well on my way to being more satisfied & content. Sure would like to tell the 20 something me a thing or 2! Happy Birthday!
Happy Birthday!! You’re fabulous at any age!
Awesome post! Happy Birthday!
Wow, this post makes me want to turn 30 now! You wrote that your 20s were filled with “self-doubt, insecurities, low self esteem, and self pity” – I’ve been steeped in those lately. I just turned 27, just made my first appointment to see an therapist specializing in ED (it’s Monday – AHH!), and am refusing to live in those emotions any longer.
BTW that dress is fab. Enjoy your day!
Happy Birthday, Roni!!! You look fantastic!!!
This blog hit me in the heart hard! I’ll be 32 in Sept and i’m 25 lbs over my ideal weight. In my 20′s i always wanted to loose weight and i got to my ideal weight for a while, and even looked gorgeous for a friends wedding, but then i put the weight back on, and haven’t really been able to loose it since. I know what i have to do, but i never get motivated to do it. Now i’ m in the process of moving cross country, changing positions at my job, going from a work at home to a work in the office type of position. My son will be 1 in a few weeks and i wants to enjoy taking pictures with him, which i do NOT at this weight. I always said i wanted to get healthy/stay in my 30′s and not spend all the years i did in my 20′s wanting to be thin, but actually being it, or i will just be satisfied with my size 12/14 self, but i’m just dont’ want to be this weight anymore. Heavy heart!
I’m there with you! and HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
I’m 33 (and a half – haha) and if I look back at 23 or 25- I was so lost. I was REALLY unhealthy (I’ve got a long way to go now, but I’m 300x more healthy now then I was then) between the weight, drinking, unhealthy eating- lazy lifestyle and depression.
I know who *I* am now- and that makes enjoying life so much easier. I’m actually looking forward to my 40s for that exact reason- and reaping the benefits of the healthy lifestyle I’m creating now.
Happy Birthday Roni!
I couldn’t have written this better myself! Go and live your BEST life! You are truly an inspiration to all of us!
Happy Birthday Ron! You are wonderful.
Happy Birthday!!! I love the new dress, so pretty.
Happy Birthday, Roni!! I will be 34 next month and I feel like I have finally turned that corner too (definitely not there yet…but headed in the right direction). Your post is a perfect reminder not to spend another decade unhappy…and that I need to claim happiness today! Thanks and have a great day!
First off Happy Birthday!
Secondly did you reach into my head and write my post. I’m not quite 30 but honestly at 28.75 I am more me than I was at 20 and I only see that getting better. Who says getting older has to be bad?
Happy Birthday Roni! My 30′s are long over…but each decade gets better and better!
Happy Birthday Roni! You are a fabulous woman who deserves to be happy and proud about who she is, and who she’d become!
If 40 is the new 20 anyway, aren’t you just a puppy? :)
Have a blast!
Happy Birthday! I think you look fabulous in both photos but I understand what you mean in your post. Love the new dress!
happy happy happy
both birthday and HOW YOU LOOK from the inside out.
xo xo
“I may still have a smidgen” Roni I read the first part of this sentence and had to laugh..before I continued on to read the whole sentence.. I was thinking about the Smidgens..yes the chocolate ones w/ peanut butter..that you so kindly introduced me to a year + ago..But like you, I can have one or two and be satisfied..and like you I am so happy, content and thankful for where I am today. HAPPY BIRTHDAY..I’m right behind you fellow Leo! Have a WONDERFUL birthday with the husband and the kid..:)
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!
You look wonderful & happy. I am finally getting that too. At least you learned it so you can enjoy life longer.
happy birthday!!! what an awesome entry. it gets me to reflect on my own life.. damn, i love your honesty.
you look fantastic, by the way.
Happy Birthday!! I am just barely into my 30s (only 30 to be exact!) and I already love it so much more than my 20s! It’s taken me this long to decide that I CAN take control of my life! Hooray!
Happy birthday!!!
I am with ya! I am older but WAY better now! :)
HAPPY BIRTHDAY! :)
Happy Birthday Roni! You look so cute in the dress! My 30′s totally rocked! I felt I really came into my own, felt more comfortable in my own skin, cared less what other thought, etc., well let me tell you now, it continues to get better in your 40′s! Who’s with ME??
Happy Birthday! Things only continue t0 improve in your 30′s, I promise. I’ll let you know about the 40′s. ;)
Happy birthday! I hope I have the same outlook when I reach the big 3-0 next year. My twenties have been a bit insecure and I hope I can reach that level peace that you have. :)
Happy Birthday Roni ~ you have been such an inspiration and i truly hope you have a wonderful day! I agree with you whole heartedly, i love my 30′s!!
Happy birthday! I’m with you, but since I am older, I am thinking that the late 40s are going to be great. And, like Oprah, I am planning (in a few years yet) to be fabulous at 50!
Happy Birthday! You sound so totally together. I turned 40 this past winter and felt a certain freedom, I really no longer care what other people think, life is way too short for that. Glad you got there sooner. Have a great day.
Happy Birthday Lovely!
So glad you are living life now! I am mid 50s! and as fit and happy as I have ever been. I am walking, biking, weight lifiting, doing yoga and pilates and dancing like a fool at jazzercise 3X a week. I am down to my high school weight and much more fit and healthy. I am planning to live like this into my 90s. I dreaded the empty nest for years and now that I have one I have time to make playing and working out my full time job. I’ve got 4 out of town friends coming for a pool party and girl’s week at my house this week. Keep up the good work and enjoy every passing year.
Happy Birthday!!!! :) I just turned 30 this year, I’m in the best shape of my life and all my friends say that I make 30 look good. I say, bring it on! :)
hoping you have a wonderful birthday! and honestly, i am glad that you lived the life you did and achieved all the things you did and didn’t…they all add up to a wonderful you who came into my life at the right time…thank you for your inspiration, unintentional guidance, and acceptance (even tho we’ve never met). it’s funny how someone you have NO relationship with can become such an integral part of your life. but your blog is like home to me, and i am very grateful to have it in my life. celebrate today with abandon Roni…you truly are a wonder to behold!
Happy Birthday, Roni!!! ♥
HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!! I am a few months away from 40 and I feel the exact same way…
Happy Birthday! I was told by my sister that 40 was the hardest birthday. That it would make me feel miserable! I am 41 and honestly I feel and act like I am 28. I too am much more content now than when I was in my 20′s and I am pretty weird because I look forward to tomorrow. I do look forward to getting older and I try to do the “right” things to make sure that I will be in good health to enjoy it. Age is just a number that people use to limit themselves anyway! I just choose not to do that.
Happy Birthday Roni!
Happy Birthday!!
I am in total agreement with you. I am so much more comfortable in my skin in my 30s than I ever was in my 20s. I don’t worry about what everyone else sees when they look at me; I like the way I feel about myself. I am doing things now I never though I could do and it feels wonderful.
Happy happy birthday my internet friend!
Thank you for everything you do and for all your support and love!
Happy Birthday Roni!!
Thank-you so much for all that you do!
Love ya,
Amy
A very happy birthday to you! and you’re right, being 34 is going to rock our socks off!
GO LEO!
Hey…sounds like you’ve had a super-great day and you deserve it!!! I’m celebrating my 2nd 40th birthday in a few weeks…
Thanks for all you do to help remind us all that a number does not define who we are or what we’re worth! Happy, happy birthday!
Happy Birthday Roni! Your attitude and positive outlook are contagious. Have a wonderful birthday.
I’M WITH YA!!!! Happy Birthday:) In a few weeks it’ll be my 5 annual 29th Birthday.
LOVED this post! Happy Birthday Roni!!!!
Happy birthday … so inspiring, as usual. I turn 39 in October. Started Atkins (my first sustained weight loss) at 32. Been battling since I fell off the low-carb wagon at 34.
I am 20 years into my 30′s and just went into my first bouncy house with my teenage daughter and her friends yesterday. Life is meant to be lived and I will not waste the second half of mine! No matter my shape right now! Happy Birthday Roni! Thank you for sharing your beautiful self with us!
Happy Birthday Roni!!! I love the new dress you got, so cute!!!
I’m in my early 40′s and still feel like I’m in my 20′s, so I think age is all relative!
I’m like you. I’m in no way scared to be in my thirties like some people my age (24). I think it’s weird because the 30s sound like the best time!
Glad you had a great birthday! :)
HAPPY BIRTH DAY!!!!!!!!!
you looks gorgeous in that suit