38 Great Things About Turning 38
Today’s my birthday – I’m officially 38.
Two years from 40… twelve from 50… a quarter of the way to hot flashes, gray hair, and saggy boobs.
(Okay, I already have those ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°) )
I thought I’d mark the occasion with 38 little truths I’ve picked up along the way. Some are deep. Some are dumb. Some probably showed up on last year’s list because I’m lazy and forgetful like that. But they’re all real. This is life, as I’ve lived it, messy, magical, heartbreaking, beautiful.
Let’s go:
- Your metabolism will ghost you. After 30, mine went on permanent vacation. You’ll have to fight for your health. It’s worth it.
- Love changes. That hot, all-consuming passion isn’t love, it’s ignition. Real love is found in the aftermath. In who stays, not who sparks.
- Family isn’t always blood. It’s love. It’s loyalty. It’s who shows up and stays when shit hits the fan.
- You’re old enough to remember dial-up, but wise enough to know progress matters. Nostalgia lies.
- Friendships shift. And that’s okay. Some are meant to evolve, others to end. Love them anyway.
- Learn to manage your money early. Freedom tastes a lot like a paid-off bill.
- Your brain finally stops developing in your 30s. That explains your 20s. Be kind to your younger self.
- Travel. While your knees still work. Don’t wait for “someday.” Book the damn trip.
- Stop worrying about what people think. They’re not paying your bills.
- Apologize when you mess up. It’s not a weakness. It’s strength in its rawest form.
- Stare silently when someone stops talking. They will definitely start again. Works like witchcraft.
- Take the leap. Safety is fine, but risk is where stories are made.
- Prioritize self-care. No one’s coming to save you. You are the rescue.
- Talk to strangers. Wisdom comes from the unlikeliest places.
- You’re not too old to start over. Or dye your hair pink. Or fall in love again. Or say no.
- Surround yourself with people who elevate you. Energy is contagious — choose wisely.
- Follow your passion – even if they call you crazy. Especially then.
- Time speeds up. Like a roll of toilet paper: the closer to the end, the faster it goes.
- Write down your goals. Don’t keep them swirling in your head.
- Read more books than you binge Netflix. Your brain will thank you.
- Take pictures. Even the blurry ones. Especially the blurry ones.
- Never stop learning. Curiosity is what keeps you alive.
- Your best talents may bloom late. Let them.
- The moment is all there is. Be here. Breathe. Repeat.
- Gratitude is medicine. Write it down. Say it out loud. Whisper it before bed.
- Give back. Karma listens.
- Users exist. Learn to recognize them, then release them.
- Know your boundaries. ‘No’ is a complete sentence.
- Sometimes love fails. Even if you gave it everything. Especially then, love yourself harder.
- Be trustworthy. And don’t let gossip make you forget your integrity.
- Swim against the current if your gut tells you to. Most fish are lost.
- Be yourself. Fully. Loudly. No filters.
- Smile. Not for others – for your own damn soul.
- Declutter your space. The less stuff you own, the lighter your mind feels.
- Good books, good hugs, good friends = wealth. Real wealth.
- Sex is better. When you know what you want and aren’t afraid to ask for it.
- Fear isn’t always a no. Sometimes it’s a clue that you’re about to grow.
- Let go. Have fun. Dance. Play. Drink wine. Get messy. Be here. You won’t get these years back.
So yeah, 38 feels a little wild. A little hot. A little “WTF am I even doing?”
But also… calm. Grounded. Delicious. Like I know myself better than ever.
Happy Birthday to me – I’m celebrating with joy, wine, and a serious lack of fucks.
Thanks for being here. Thanks for reading. 💋
With love,
Scarlet
⚠️ Note: Everything I share here is from my own life. I’m not a therapist, coach, or guru – just a woman who writes to process her chaos and maybe make someone out there feel less alone. If something hits deep, sit with it. If something hurts too much, talk to someone you trust. You deserve healing, too.
