When I see my high school and college classmates ramble on Facebook and Twitter about the horror of turning 30, I almost lose it. Um, excuse me? When did turning 30 become such a terrible milestone?

I cannot understand what drives their fear of the future. I am looking forward to February 2017—the year I will celebrate 30 years of a complicated and remarkable life. My 20s have been a time of unnerving changes, career confusion, and several identity crises as I grew into womanhood and motherhood. Of course, I had some amazing moments during my 20s. I traveled across the U.S., met people from all around the world in college, found love, got married, and recently purchased my first home. But, generally speaking, my 20s have been insane.

Honestly, I consider myself pretty lucky to still be hanging around. Life is fleeting, so I am going to enjoy every year on Earth. And, as I approach a new decade, I have a few reasons why I am excited to mark that milestone.

1. I’ll have a better grasp on my career goals

I am a woman with a master plan. My goal is to become a full-time freelance writer and author by the time I am 30. I have been working a traditional job since I was 15 years old and my 20s have been spent hopping between various career paths. In the midst of my confusion, I felt like my destiny was to be a writer, but I decided to forgo the freelance route in the name of chasing success (aka money). Now, as I get closer to 30, my definition of success has completely changed. All I want is a writing career that allows me to have a flexible schedule and time to actually live my life. My 30s will be the decade where my career truly blossoms.

2. My relationships will be more meaningful

I am a married woman with two kids, so I don’t have time for nonsense. As I get older, I am continuing the process of weeding toxic folks out of my life. I no longer have space for unbalanced friendships, “frenemies,” and all the other crazy relationships that we deal with in our younger years. By the time I am in my 30s, I am determined to be surrounded by steadfast friends and family. I plan on strengthening the bond with my immediate family and enjoying my marriage as the years fly by. And, as I journey through my 30s, I will build a bond with my kids as I watch my two little girls become young adults.

The post Why I Really Can’t Wait to Be in My 30s appeared first on HelloGiggles.