Last year was my Champagne 30th (that was coined given Taiwo & I’s love for champagne) and in all honesty, I had mixed feelings. There are SO many misconceptions about the third decade of one’s existence, but when you fall short of your own standard as you turn that third corner, the pressure floods in and then THEN you have a real problem. Before we go on, let’s quickly examine that list of what (I thought) I ought to have done by last October:
- Established a career in Investment Banking- I was certainly on the right path… Ag. Head of Project Finance at the age of 29, caaman! I was doing okay and I had the right support. This was the ONLY thing I had on lock down though… keep reading…
- Bought a house- 7 months on and this remains on the to-do list
- Married a steady boyfriend whom I’d have dated for c.3 years- Update: It’s official, I’m single!
- Popped 2 babies at the minimum- After all, it’s harder to make babies with “fried eggs”. Besides, Then, I wanted 3! Today, I’d be content with 1!
- Visited at least 30 cities- I’ve lost count to be honest. I’ve probably done about 25, not quite 30 but I’m no longer counting.
- Bought an Investment bag- The Chanel 2.55 remains on my wish list. I’m open to donations… nothing is too small
- Learnt French- Travil en cours- yes, I googled that. Sue me!
What I quickly realized is that there’s nothing wrong with making plans. In fact, I encourage everyone to do it. Falling short of your own expectations happens. What’s then important is to take stock of where you are and work to move forward. Self-pity, insecurity that’s just pathetic. When you focus too much on what wasn’t, you’ll lose sight of your achievements.
To cut a long story (somewhat) short, I ended up having the time of my life celebrating my Champagne 30th. I spent the actual birthday on the plane from Paris back to Lagos. My flight got delayed so I didn’t actually arrive until 9pm.
But I’d never felt so loved when I got home. There were about 30 people waiting to celebrate with me that Thursday evening. Amazing individuals…. Every single one of them! The following night, I went out clubbing and my awesome friends totally covered EVERYTHING! We got a table and partied till the am.
The icing on the cake was a trip to Malta with Taiwo (of course) and Wura. What a beautiful, island!
Today, I drew up a “Kehinde Four Point Zero” Bucket list. I’m not sharing that with you yet, but just know it’s a lot more fun and a lot less serious.
Before I leave you pondering on what made the Bucket list, I’ll drop some hints below in my update on what I’ve “achieved” on turning 30…
- Changed jobs- I’ve decided I want to be an O&G guru in the medium term. PE is still the ultimate GOAL along with (maybe) being an Editor-at-Large (I find that so fascinating)
- Started Yoga- My first class was last Saturday and it was AMAZING! Going back this weekend
- Started eating healthier- I’m not quite vegetarian YET, but I’m mindful of what goes in
- Got braces- The plan isN’T to totally close the gap, but I think my dentist has another agenda…. I’ll keep you updated
- Got a helix piercing. Then ditched the helix piercing. I got a keloid so had to take it out… the keloid is gone now so I’ll try again later this year and see how that pans out
- Got contacts- because I had to “babe up” even if it was only a nano notch
- Invested in the Stella McCartney Falabella- YAAASSSS loved this bag FOREVER and she will do until my 2.55 arrives
- I read a book! And now I’m reading ANOTHER book (Children of Blood & Bone)
Dare I say it, but 30 is looking pretty darn good on me despite my (self-) perceived short comings. The other day, a gentleman at Ikoyi club even thought I was 19!!! *blush* Could 30 be the new 20?
xXx
Ps: I won’t jinx things by saying “I’m Back!” but I’ll just leave that right here….
Pps: Super excited about the Lancome Teint Idole launch in Nigeria. Can’t wait t find my shade
PPPs: Kehinde Three Point Zero…. Kehinde FOUR Point Zero, that makes me giggle, I don’t know why
Bonita Valli 