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It was only a week or so ago that it occurred to me that I am at the “eternal” age. The one that older women who don’t want to share their age say. I’m 29.

I honestly didn’t even realize that this is basically the last six months I have of “being young”. Which is kind of sad to think about, but also, it’s kind of cool to be entering a new decade. There are several really cool things about turning 30 that I hadn’t considered before.

Like, my best friend and I are celebrating 20 years of friendship this year. That is WILD to me. Sure, we’re older and we have kids now, but I kind of treasure that our friendship has aged like a fine wine. Instead of pulling all nighters at slumber parties, now we enjoy going to bed early and snacking on Cheez-Its out of the box, but hey, we’re having a good time.

I’m also out of things I can’t do due to an age restriction, like renting a car. While I’m at it, my car insurance is pretty solid, as well.

So I asked my husband, who is 30 already, what is cool about being 30. Here is his response.

“What’s cool about being 30? NOTHING. Everything hurts, my skin is dry, I’m dehydrated easily, and I grunt every time I sit down or get up.”

He’s kidding. I think.

But in all seriousness, he’s right - to some degree.

No, my body doesn’t move like it used to. I have to be really intentional about my mobility and flexibility these days. If I don’t exercise for a few days, I don’t feel good. But with this extra intentionality, I also have the years of getting to know my body. I know what it’s been through, I know what it can and cannot handle. I know what foods give me an upset tummy and which ones are pretty much always safe (chicken nuggets, duh).

While I understand that some things are inevitable with aging, I’m doing my darnedest to keep my body moving and grooving for years to come. I want to stay in good shape. I want to be able to play with my kids, coach them in their favorite sports or activities, and sprint across a field to get to them in case they get hurt.

In addition to food and exercise, there’s one more organ that is very important to me - my skin. It’s the biggest organ I have, and it literally protects everything. I’ve been wearing sunscreen for almost the last decade, and while I still burn from time to time, it’s come in handy more times than I can count. I even got Elliot wearing sunscreen every day. Not only will it protect him from potentially getting skin cancer, but also, it will keep his skin healthy and smooth for years to come. I mean, if I can help it, I’d like him to age like a fine wine. 😉

In the last six months, I’ve started a new skincare routine. I’ve been talking about it for over a year now, but I just couldn’t bring myself to A. spend a ton of money on a bunch of products and B. commit to using 6 products every single day. I just don’t have the time for that.

In the fall, my cousin became a consultant for L’Bri, and sent me some samples. Now, as someone who suffered from acne for probably half my life, I’ve tried A LOT of products.

These rock.

I honestly don’t think my skin has ever felt so smooth or moisturized just after washing. The whole line is made with aloe as the base ingredient (not water), and they’re made in the USA. The basic skincare routine is 3 steps: wash, freshen, moisturize. Since I already wash and moisturize my face every day, it was pretty easy to commit to this. Even during the first 6-8 weeks after Will came home, I made a point to at least do this routine, and it made me feel like a whole new person. When my hair was a wreck and I had spit up on my shirt, at least my face was clean and fresh.

Of course, I also bought eye cream and a face mask and sometimes add those into the routine for extra self-care or because I look a little dead inside. It’s nice to be able to customize the routine a bit, but on busy days, I have that basic foundation that stays consistent.

So that’s what I’m doing. It was on my 101 in 1,001 list, and I’ve done the thing. Hopefully, it keeps my skin from aging too quickly, because, well, I need my skin for the rest of my life.

Also, I have SIX MONTHS left til I’m 30 - are there even bucket list items for this kind of thing? Oof.

“Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you.” Isaiah 46:4

“Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.” 2 Corinthians 4:16