Is age just a number, a frame of mind, an attitude, or all of the above? Whatever your thoughts are, we know that every decade brings something different with it. In this post, we hear from five women who are absolutely loving their 30s!
VANESSA MAGALI ODEN, 37, TEACHER, ENTERTAINER AND MOM
A multi-faceted Latina, Vanessa is the epitome of reinvention. She graduated magna cum laude with a BA in Pastoral Studies and has an MA in Education with an emphasis in Educational Leadership.In 2012 she launched The Vanessa Oden Show, a talk radio program that covers “entertaining news and discussion with a Latina twist.”
Her thoughts on 30: Thirty is a pivotal point where you start to learn even more about who you are. The key is embracing these changes and transitions positively and always improving.
How she keeps her energy up: I play a lot and hang out with fun people. I find that when I hang out with negative people I feel drained and then I start to feel older. I keep energized by learning new things and doing fun stuff that I enjoy.
Tips on ageing gracefully: Do things that you love and don’t leave yourself for last. It’s also important to laugh, and stimulate the mind with art, good books and positive music. Get out in nature, spend a little more money onbetter, natural foods. Enjoy time with friends and family. Give back and help out. Contribute to the world positively. Be involved.
Words of wisdom: I want women to not compare themselves to others and to see the beauty within themselves.
Read Related: The Secrets of Beautiful People (Hint: It’s Not About Looks)
DIANA LIMONGI, 31, WORKING MOM, GRAD STUDENT, BLOGGER
Diana Limongi-Gabriele works hard juggling a full-time job, motherhood, family, grad school and her blog, LadydeeLG. Her most important job is being mommy to Enzo, a French/Hispanic/American (and one day, trilingual!) 2-year-old boy. You can connect with her via Twitter, @dianalimongi or on Facebook.
Why she´s loving her 30s: I have more of an idea of what I want to do and where I want to go in my life. Everyone told me 30s was better than 20s, I think there is less drama.
On ageing gracefully: If you feel frumpy, that’s what you’re going to look like. If you feel old, same thing. But, washing your face, exfoliating, removing makeup—those things do help. I really believe what you put in your body makes a big difference to how your skin and hair look, and how healthy you are.
On Latinas and age: I think culturally we are taught we have to look good, and be well kept, y “no dejarse ir” and to look good for one’s husband. Latinas are obsessed with creams and treatments and that sort of thing. When I was 28 or 29 my mom gave me anti-aging cream. Sigh.
Why she’s fabulous at 31: I am happy with that I have, I have not lost sight of who I am or where I come from, and I am working to achieve my goals. Being a mother changed my life in so many ways and has made me more assertive, determined and not afraid.
EILEEN CARTER-CAMPOS, 35, TEACHER & FREELANCE WRITER
Eileen Carter-Campos is an elementary school teacher and the mother of two boys. She is also a social media maven and a freelance writer. MommyTeaches is her personal blog.
Why she’s loving her 30s: What I like most about this decade is feeling more mature and that sense of coming into my own. I am at a point in my life that I choose “happiness” over anything else.
On staying on her toes: My children keep me energetic because they are always on the go! I’m also learning the importance of taking time for myself to get and stay healthy.
Should women fess up about their age? I think whatever makes you comfortable. Some don’t like to share their age and that’s okay. Personally, I am fine with my age because it’s just a number. I often still feel as if I am eighteen- I credit my husband for that!
Cosmetic enhancements, yay or nay? I would never consider cosmetic enhancements. I feel as though, if you talk about not fearing aging you’re contradicting yourself if you do these enhancements. You embrace it all and that’s what I will do.
Why she’s fab at 35! I am aware of what I need to do to maintain my health, and I am a go-getter! I also feel I am fabulous because I am a mother of two loving boys, married to my high-school sweetheart, and a working mom that juggles it all!
Read Related: Stories of 7 Women Who Run to Feel Good
LAURA FUENTES, 33, FOUNDER/CEO OF MOMABLES.COM
Laura Fuentes is the Founder/CEO of MOMables, the first meal-planning service for healthy and fresh school lunches. She helps thousands of parents every day make lunches their kids will actually eat. In her personal blog, SuperGlueMom, Laura writes about motherhood, good family food, managing deadlines and keeping her cool, even when her kids super-glued her hair.
Why she’s loving her 30s: I’ve grown comfortable with who I am. My body has finally adjusted to what it will be (after 3 kids) and the “baby fat” is gone. It’s mature, experienced and has had the honor of bringing 3 kids into this world! My self-confidence is higher than ever and I’m no longer trying to prove myself like I was in my 20s.
How to age gracefully? Smile. A happy person is a much younger looking person. Never, ever go to bed with makeup on. Have a facial routine in the morning and evening that you religiously comply to. Use a lot of sunscreen.
On being open about one’s age: Accept your age and make the most of it. I can’t stand when I see moms in their late 30s or 40s with teenage daughters and they dress the same. I don’t mean that you should dress ‘older’ for your age, but for God’s sake… dress appropriately.
Cosmetic enhancement approach? At some point, I remember thinking to myself: when I am done having kids I am getting new boobs. The thing is that I am probably done having kids; and while they aren’t as perky as they were in my 20s, my breasts are the way they should be.
MELANIE MENDEZ-GONZALES, 36, BLOGGER AND CO-DIRECTOR OF LATISM IN SAN ANTONIO
Melanie Mendez-Gonzales is a mother of two boys who loves living in San Antonio and is married to the love of her life. She blogs at QueMeansWhat.com and works as a freelance blogger and social media manager. She volunteers her time to advance the Latino community as a Co-Director of the Latinos in Tech Innovation and Social Media (LATISM) San Antonio Chapter.
Her advice to younger women: Create a “before 30” Bucket List. Check off a few of those items and you will feel like a champion! I didn’t do this but I never had a problem with 30. I watched a friend do this and it was refreshing to see her truly live her life! (It’s encouraged me to create a “before 40” Bucket List.)
Why she’s loving her 30’s: Personally, it’s been my motherhood decade. That has been the absolutely best. I ‘grew up’ in my 20s (kinda) so I know I would have been a different mother then.
On taking care of herself: I’ve learned to listen to my body. I’m naturally a night owl and will sacrifice sleep to get things done at night. I have to force myself to get the rest I need. Hope to have this one down better before 40.
Why she’s rocking her age: Because I’ve chosen to overcome my fears and failures. At one point in my 20’s, I never thought I would be happily married, with children and working on my own dreams. Now, I wake up every morning grateful for the opportunity to live my life and pour into others.
