Turning 30: What I’m Leaving Behind - and What I’m Bringing Into My 30s

I’m just going to be real with you: turning 30 hit different.

Not necessarily in a bad way or in the “oh no, I’m getting old” way. But more in the “I feel like I finally know who I am” way.

I’m not pretending anymore and I don’t feel like I have to shapeshift to fit what someone else expects from me.

If you’re in this transition too - maybe you just turned 30, maybe you’re already here or maybe you’re feeling that pull to evolve - then I want you to know, you’re not alone.

I want to share a little more raw and real thoughts about the things I’m choosing to leave behind in my 20s… and what I’m carrying forward into this next chapter. Let’s dive in. 

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What I’m Leaving in My 20s

1. Diet Culture BS

First and foremost, I am done with the toxic diet culture.

The guilt around food, the skipping meals to be “good” and overanalyzing everything I ate. I spent way too long treating my body like a project that needed fixing.

Now? I’m focusing on nourishment with food that fuels me, supports me and helps me live, not punish myself.

2. Obsessing Over My Body

Growing up in competitive dance my body was constantly on display.

Mirrors felt like battlegrounds, leaving me with slight PTSD around looking in one.

For most of my 20s, I chased an image of myself that I thought I had to maintain but the truth is, bodies are meant to change.

I’m not 20 anymore. I’m 30. My body’s evolving and that’s not wrong. In fact, it’s beautiful. I’m meeting my body where she is now and not where she once was.

3. Over-Exercising and Under-Recovering

Back in my 20s, if I wasn’t killing myself at the gym, it didn’t “count.” Cardio was king and more sweat meant more burn.

Now, I strength train because it makes me feel strong, energized and capable.

And just as important: I prioritize rest and recovery. Rest isn’t weakness, it takes and builds strength too!

4. People-Pleasing and Perfectionism

I spent so much of my 20s trying to make everyone else happy. I was saying yes when I wanted to say no and molding myself to fit in.

All it did was leave me resentful and disconnected from myself.

Now, I’m learning that I don’t have to be for everyone. The right people will find me when I show up as my full, authentic self.

5. An Unhealthy Relationship with the Scale

There was a time when I stepped on the scale two or three times a day. If the number went up, I spiraled and if it went down, I felt relief.

It was exhausting.

Now, the scale doesn’t define me. It’s just one tool and not the whole picture. How I feel - strong, energized and confident - is what matters.

6. Hustle Culture

Burnout? Yeah, I’ve been there more times than I can count. I used to think if I wasn’t grinding 24/7, I wasn’t doing enough. But that’s just not true.

I don’t need to destroy myself to prove I’m passionate.

Resting, recovering and enjoying life are just as important as working hard.

7. Comparison (Especially on Social Media)

Scrolling social media and feeling like I wasn’t doing enough, wasn’t achieving enough and wasn’t looking good enough did nothing but drain me.

Now, I’m setting boundaries with my phone and reminding myself that social media is a highlight reel and not real life.

Everyone’s journey is different and mine is unfolding exactly the way it’s supposed to.

8. Being at War with My Body

For most of my 20s, I treated my body like she was the enemy and she was working against me. But the truth is, my body has always been trying to protect me.

Now, I’m choosing to trust her, to listen and to work with her - not against her.

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What I’m Bringing With Me Into My 30s

1. Strength in All Forms

Yes, physical strength is important but so is mental and emotional strength.

• Strength to say no.
• Strength to set boundaries.
• Strength to choose myself.
• Strength to feel deeply and not apologize for it.

2. Nourishment (In Every Sense)

Nourishment isn’t just about food anymore. It’s about rest, joy, connection and laughter. It’s also about not waiting until I’ve “earned” it and recognizing that we’re here to live - not just survive.

3. Confidence That Comes From Within

Confidence isn’t something you just wake up with one day. It’s built through showing up for yourself, keeping your promises and doing hard things. Not doing it for the applause but because you said you would - and you did.

4. Trust in My Body

I don’t override my body’s signals anymore.

• If she’s tired, we rest.
• If she needs nourishment, we eat.
• If she needs movement, we move.

Trusting my body has been one of the most empowering things I’ve ever done.

5. Slowness and Softness

I used to fill every second of every day with tasks and checklists. Now, I crave slower mornings with quiet walks and time to breathe. 

I don’t want to rush through my life - I want to feel it.

6. Joy as Medicine

Joy is not a reward for hard work, it’s essential!

Dancing in the kitchen, dinner dates with friends and spontaneous adventures - these moments are health too.

And most important: joy is healing.

7. Community That Uplifts and Supports

We really need each other. Being part of a community where you feel seen, supported and celebrated is life-changing!

That’s why I created the spaces I coach in - because having a team that lifts you up is unmatched.

Final Thoughts

If you’re standing at a crossroads too (about to leave an old chapter behind and step into something new) I just want you to know:

You’re allowed to evolve.

You’re allowed to outgrow the old versions of yourself.

That’s not failure. That’s growth.

You don’t have to carry the weight of your 20s with you. You can set it down, choose a new story and define strength on your terms now.

Here’s to strength with softness, to messy, beautiful growth and to showing up for ourselves - not perfectly, but powerfully.

And if no one’s told you lately, you’re doing so much better than you think you are. 

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P.S. If this resonated with you, I would love it if you shared this blog with a friend, post it to your stories or send me a DM on Instagram @thestrengthgirl.

Let’s keep growing, evolving and lifting each other up - together.