Outfit details at the end of the post.
Did you catch yesterday’s post? It went up super late, but it’s one of Mitch’s best!
I really liked my 20s. Of course, looking back now and saying that I “really liked” that time isn’t difficult. Being removed from it, it’s now easy to focus on those amazing late nights with friends; having so few responsibilities; the highs that came along with the realization that I was, in fact, an adult and somehow making it on my own; and the butterflies I felt when I fell in love with my now husband. It’s easy to push aside the heartbreak, the financial instability, the worry, the uncertainty, and all the other struggles. When I’m honest with myself, my 20s were fun, but they were tough, too.
I LOVE my 30s. And I know for certain that I love ’em because I’m currently in my 30s and saying that. This decade has just been a lot easier than the last. Yes, Mitch and I have had to deal with some big things: relocating to a new city and dealing with the transition, switching jobs and professions, and the struggle to get and stay pregnant. (Which ended happily, so don’t be sad for us. ;) But I just think we’re both personally in such better places. Most of the “big stuff” has been figured out, plans for the future have been made or at least talked about, and while we still encounter bumps on our road, I think we’ve learned how to swerve without crashing. Our 30s have been less about self-discovery and more about being happy with our lives and simply living them.
With this new decade, though, has come a bit of complacency, for lack of a better word. I tend to go about my life, doing what I always do, without taking “risks” or moving out of my comfort zone. With the exception of some pesky work-related issues that I’m trying to fix, life is good! Why change things?! Mitch, on the other hand, is more likely to try to mix it up, but he, too, will even say that he’s been yearning for some adventure lately. It’s why we booked that trip to Los Angeles in April.
Recently, my friend Kira and her husband Tom asked if our little family wanted to spend the weekend with them at Kira’s family’s lake house. (I mentioned this in Monday’s post, but we met back in March of last year when she and her adorable mother attended a Last Call Studio event I was hosting.) It was the kindest, bravest and most generous offer–I mean, who invites a couple and their infant to their lake house for a weekend getaway?!–but I’ll admit that I was a bit nervous. While we’d stayed in touch and hung out a couple of times since that event, Kira and I didn’t know each other that well, and the husbands had never met.
What if we didn’t get along?! What if the husbands hated each other?! What if we just sat there, in silence, for the entirety of the weekend?!
Awkward turtle.
Old Kelly would have thanked Kira profusely but then made up some excuse as to why we couldn’t make it. Kelly 2.0, though, said yes.
Can I tell you guys? I’m so, so, so glad we said yes. It was truly one of my favorite weekends of all time, and I’m positive I’ll always remember it. While I thought there would be a bit of awkwardness (at least in the beginning), there just wasn’t. Everything was easy, and we talked a mile a minute and laughed until our stomachs hurt. Tom cooked us amazing meal after amazing meal (thank you, Tom!); we took long walks on the beach in 60-degree weather; we played board games and told stories; and we sat around drinking coffee and chatting for hours and hours and hours. We left Michigan City with two new best friends who just so happen to live in our neighborhood, and plans to hang out again because, like, how would we go a full week without seeing each other? Haha!
Last weekend taught me the importance of being open. Open to new experiences, new friends, new endeavors. Open to plans. Open to it all. My 30s shouldn’t be characterized by complacency. A decade should never be characterized by complacency! Truthfully, I kind of feel like a new girl this week because I’ve learned this lesson.
I’ve started taking the reins on a few house projects I’ve been putting off for what seems like forever, I picked up my guitar for the first time in MONTHS, and I’ve tried to write more deeply. (I hope you’ve noticed? Maybe?!) I’ve also been making plans to see those I’ve lost touch with since having Emma, and I’ve tried to pay it forward and reach out to a couple of people I don’t know yet and make plans with them. At the same time, I’ve been going to bed ON TIME. (Kira and Tom are really, really good about getting eight hours of sleep every night, and they’ve inspired me to place importance on shuteye. Have you noticed that some of my blog posts this week were super late? Yep, that’s because I decided to adhere to a bedtime, too!)
I think one of the cutest parts of all this is that I actually wrote the draft of this post on Monday, and then Kira, without knowing, published this post on Wednesday. Her message–what she took away from the trip–was so similar to mine, and my heart grew another size while reading it. :) Kindred spirits…
The title of this post is “Making New Friends in Your 30s,” but I’m realizing now that it probably applies to most–not just those in their 30s. So tell me: Is making new friends as challenging for you as it is for me? Do you have a cute success story? How do you go about meeting new people? Or are you still struggling to find them? I’d love to hear!
Also: Please know that while I’m usually unable to respond to comments these days, I read EVERY SINGLE ONE, and I adore hearing your stories, insight and connections. I’m slowly catching up on work, and I can’t wait to dedicate more time to interacting with you guys. It’s in the near future as I recently made some major changes, and I’m so excited! Thank you!
Shop the post:
Wearing: Ruffled Sweater (Wearing a size small.) / Rag & Bone Jeans / Hunter Boots and Socks (Also available here. Dying to try these and these!) / Barbour Jacket (I wear a U.S. size 4, btw. Also available via Tuckernuck. Here’s my full review of the jacket! It’s the BEST.) / Peplum Top (And LOVE this similar top! This one is really affordable, too! And this one! <–Wow. Finally, I recently acquired this one and I’m so obsessed. Need to stop buying peplum.) / Hunter Boots and Socks (Also available here. Dying to try these and these!) / Rag & Bone Jeans (Also adore this cut.) / Similar Cardigans here, here, here and here
FYI: Kira’s Hunter boots are sadly sold out, but aren’t they SO CUTE?! Not sure if this is helpful, but I love this lace-up pair as well as this pair!
I love these pictures of you all! I am trying really hard to be more open to things this year.
Also, I get to see you in two weeks!!!
Loving all these photos, and this is such a great post!! xo Devon Seventeen Dresses
I have a hard time making friends, too. As an introvert, I’d much rather stay in with myself than go out with others! Sometimes, that bite me in the butt. I’m trying to be more open to making connections. Recently, two different bloggers reached out to me asking to meet up “in real life” and, while I would typically make up some excuse and bail, I said YES! I’m so nervous, but also very excited.
Your photos are always so gorgeous. They inspire me to take my camera with me everywhere!
This is a great post. I’m in my late 20’s, and I’ve heard for a few years now from my ‘older’ friends and colleagues how great their 30’s have been. Someone explained it as, in your 20’s you’re still figuring out who you are, and in your 30’s you have a greater sense of self, and you worry less about what other people think, etc. Who knows? Sort of looking forward to figuring it out for myself. :)
My husband and I are mostly introverts and while we love to eat out and travel, I would say we’re mostly homebodies. We’ve made some really great friends in our neighborhood and we see them on a regular basis. When we were first married, it was difficult to find “couple” friends. I wanted to put an ad out that we were now accepting applications, because it was getting a little lonely! But good things take time. Thanks for sharing.
What a divine story! Here’s to a lifetime of friendship and amazing moments to share together, to come!
Aw Kelly we LOVE you!! Totally kindred spirits ;) And omg these pics are so good!! Already can’t wait for next time!
xo,
Kira
Making new friends can be so hard after college! But I think once you do find new ones, they tend to really stick :)
I love that you posted this! I recently moved to the suburbs from downtown Chicago, and I was worried it would be tougher to meet friends out here. Those pics of Mitch carrying Emma in the Bjorn just melt my heart. These pictures are gorgeous! You are gorgeous!
xxoo
Mary
http://www.BelleOnTrend.com
Obsessed.
With you, with your family, with this post, with the fact that you called yourself “Kelly 2.0”.
I love that you are saying “Yes” and also prioritizing the things that mean the most to you! You are such an amazing person and friend. As someone who just met you a few years back, you’ve always been SO beyond welcoming, open, honest and fun. I truly appreciate your friendship – and that goes to both you and Mitch.
So, thanks for saying “Yes” to me ages back. You’ve always been Kelly 2.0 in my eyes – it sounds like you just needed to re-find that side of yourself, too. :)
Isn’t That Charming.
Oh man, that chunky little baby! So beautiful! Gives me baby fever.
I have to say that making friends in your 30s is a challenge. I’ve had the same group of friends since grade school. When I moved from New Orleans to Tampa it was (and still is) hard for me to make local friends.
super nice kelly, I mean, who wouldn’t like you guys, birds of a feather….:)
even noodle would have fit in perfectly
Love these photos. Making friends as an adult is hard, especially without school as a catalyst. I’m glad you said yes to the trip! Looks like an amazing time!
-Meg
http://www.smalltownsisters.blogspot.com
Great post Kelly! When I was a 20-something living in NYC, there was a lot of pressure of being “in the moment” and having “affiliate” friends. I find now being in my 30’s, the new friendships I make are more meaningful. I now carry more life experiences and a greater knowledge of who I am which is a great foundation for a new friendship. And yes, it’s always a great to take a chance on new experiences. Your photos are proof :)
All the best!
Sarah
https://www.chicasual.com