10 Lessons My 30s Taught Me

Madonna, 2012 Super Bowl.

1. The body changed at 30 and will continue to do so, without asking our permission. How we react to the changes is our choice. Swearing at the mirror doesn’t help.

2. People you go partying with? They go to where the party is. Friends who hold your heart? They go with you. Even when you’re full of crap.

3. Just as your parents and grandparents once told you how easy your life is, that you don’t understand good music and that the new generation is disrespectful, so will you. If you don’t believe me, you’re too young to understand.

4. Instead of getting glammed up, putting on high heels, driving an hour, looking for parking, waiting in line and freezing while doing so, all just to get into the coolest club in town, you’d rather enjoy a home-cooked meal with your neighbors, who are wearing slippers.

5. John Hughes made the best Gen X relationship films ever.  The 2012 two and a half minute Super Bowl commercial told us so.

6. Nothing is ever the tragedy is first appears. Usually it becomes a gift. Yet rarely a cash gift.

7. With the right people at your side, you can get thru anything: bad hair days, bounced checks, stupid break-ups, unexpected surgeries, frequent moves, failed exams, unjust boss reviews and even job losses. And you’ll be there for them. While wearing your slippers.

8. Who you know matters much more than what you know. Bragging about what you know will shorten your who list. Unless it’s about movies, of course.

9. When the people closest to you are all pissed off at you, the one thing they have in common is you. Or a really bad therapist.

10. Madonna was going strong then and she’s better than ever now. And if you’re lucky, you can enjoy her with someone who holds your heart and who also knows when you’re full of crap.