Your Thirties Are All About Rediscovering What You Loved As A 13-Year-Old (Without The Shame And Embarrassment)
If you're in your thirties, you might have noticed an intriguing trend: you're revisiting passions from your adolescent years but with a newfound confidence. It's a nostalgic journey, but this time, minus the awkwardness of puberty. Let's explore this phenomenon of rediscovering teenage love without the associated self-consciousness.
Adolescence: A Time of Experimentation and Self-discovery
When we were 13, the world was a playground of discovery. New music, hobbies, books, and friends filled our days. We tried on different personas, seeing which ones fit best. Sometimes, we pick up a hobby passionately, only to drop it due to peer pressure or a fear of standing out.
Shame and Peer Pressure
Remember those anime sketches or the electric guitar stashed away because someone laughed? Or maybe you toned down your "nerdy" love for astronomy or fantasy novels. Peer perception during adolescence, for many, was an overpowering determinant of what got to stay in our lives and what got pushed to the back burner.
Thirties: The Age of Confident Rediscovery
Fast forward a couple of decades and a fascinating transformation takes place. The thirties herald an era of self-acceptance. The weight of peer judgment wanes, and in its place grows confidence to embrace who we are.
Suddenly, that dusty guitar in the corner becomes an evening companion, or the sketchpad gets a new lease of life. It's as if the passions we once buried, fearing judgment, come back with a vengeance, demanding their rightful place in our lives.
Why The Thirties Offer This Beautiful Resurgence
1. Financial Independence: Often, by the time we hit our thirties, we've secured a measure of financial independence. We can invest in those hobbies and interests without relying on someone else's approval or financial support.
2. Emotional Maturity: With age comes a better understanding of oneself. We're less inclined to fit into someone else's mould and more motivated to be authentic.
3. The Digital Age: Social media platforms and online communities make it easier to connect with like-minded individuals. So, even if your immediate circle doesn't share your passion for 90s video games, an entire online community does!
4. Perspective: Time gives us perspective. Looking back, we realize life's too short to abandon what we genuinely love. The whims and judgments of others seem trivial in comparison to personal happiness.
Embracing the Full Circle
Embracing this rediscovery is not just about hobbies or interests; it's about accepting our true selves. It’s a testament to the journey of personal growth, understanding, and arriving at a place where we can unabashedly say, "This is me."
So, if you're in your thirties and feel that pull towards your younger self, know that you're not alone. Dive deep into that nostalgia, pick up that comic book, dance to that boy band, and see that you're just coming full circle, richer in experience and confidence.
Remember, the things you loved at 13 weren't just phases; they were the foundation of who you've become.