Mindful Transitions: Embracing Change in My 30s (o como yo lo llamo, mi “nueva era”)

Lately, I’ve been thinking a lot about this phase of my life — what I like to call my “new era.” It’s a time of rebuilding myself, especially after a broken heart, and trying to become the best version of me. This period has shown me something important: just because I decided something mattered to me at one point in my life doesn’t mean it will always be the case.

In your 30s, you start realizing that it’s okay to change your mind. Your tastes evolve, your preferences shift, and what fulfilled you in your 20s might not fill you at all in your 30s. Eso me da miedo sometimes, porque me recuerda que estoy envejeciendo. You want to grow, yes, but there’s also a desire to pause and savor your youth — and maybe that’s why so many of us face existential crises around this age.

Personally, from my early 30s to now, I’ve felt proud of myself — of my maturity, my understanding of who I am. But life is cyclical, and new challenges constantly remind you that change is ongoing. One of mine is my health. I’ve been dealing with foot pain for years, linked to my lower back. I recently had a CT scan that showed issues I need to address through therapy and strengthening my core. It’s a reminder of how stubborn I can be about exercise — something I know benefits my body, mind, and emotions — yet it’s always been a challenge to stick with.

This process has been humbling. I realize that while I’ve grown so much, there are still habits I need to confront. Hay días en los que la motivación simplemente no llega, y está bien. What matters is recognizing the patterns, facing them, and committing to my well-being.

Another part of this journey is accepting adulthood. In my teens and 20s, I spent time with people older than me, and now, in my 30s, I often find myself surrounded by younger colleagues. It’s made me reflect on the kind of community I want and need. I crave deeper connections with people who truly understand this stage of life — en cuanto a edad y experiencias.

Some days, I feel on top of things; other days, I feel stuck in a loop of self-doubt. But I’m learning that mindfulness isn’t about constant happiness or perfection. It’s about noticing, accepting, and gently guiding yourself forward. And even if the journey is messy, I’m proud of myself for navigating it with honesty.

Takeaway:
Life in your 30s (and almost 40s!) is about change, acceptance, and growth. It’s about recognizing that your preferences, your body, and your mind are evolving. And that’s okay. Being mindful means giving yourself grace through the highs and lows — and trusting that you’re moving in the right direction, even if it doesn’t feel linear.