Dear Mama J,
I just turned 30, and I feel like I should have everything figured out by now—but I don’t. My career is fine, my relationships are fine, but that’s just it… everything feels fine. I thought by this age I’d feel more secure, more accomplished, maybe even a little wiser. Instead, I feel like I’m just going through the motions. Is this normal, or am I doing something wrong?
— Feeling Meh at 30
Dear Feeling Meh,
First off, let me assure you—this feeling? Oh, it’s normal. Welcome to the part of adulthood no one warned you about: the “Is this it?” phase.
See, when we’re younger, we think there’s a magical point where we suddenly arrive—where we feel successful, settled, and sure of ourselves. But life doesn’t work like that. Growth isn’t a one-time event; it’s an ongoing process.
That “meh” feeling? It’s not failure. It’s your inner voice nudging you toward something more. More meaning, more adventure, more you. So, instead of looking at it as a problem, see it as an invitation. What excites you? What scares you in a good way? What’s one thing you’ve always wanted to try but never did?
You don’t have to overhaul your life overnight. Just start with curiosity. Take a class. Travel somewhere new. Switch up your routine. Shake things up a little, and you might just find the spark you’re looking for.
And one more thing—being “fine” isn’t a bad place to be. It just means you’re ready for your next chapter. And trust me, 30 is a great time to start writing it.
— Mama J
