The roaring twenties?

MINDFUL MOMENTS # 130

It’s a sign of the times, isn’t it, when some of our thoughts are preoccupied with what would make a good caption to an Instagram post? I’ve not yet done a post of some more photos from my recent holiday to Cyprus, but my endlessly amusing caption of “What did the cheese say when it looked in the mirror?” has been on my (simple) brain most days.

In the build-up to turning 30, I’ve thought a bit about what I might caption a supposed or real post about my twenties and I keep landing on ‘The Turbulent Twenties’; I suppose I find the alliteration quite satisfying. The original ‘Roaring Twenties’, complete with the hedonism of the prohibition era, appeals to me in so much as I enjoy the drop-waist dresses, headbands and glamour, but beyond that I’m not really sure I did much ‘roaring’ in my twenties; did you? To roar, both literally and in this context, requires a complete letting-go. There were, of course, times in my twenties where I have let my hair down (ironically, I rarely wear it up), but there have also been times of deep self-consciousness; deep doubt about myself and the future; deep sadness, grief and confusion. Hence, ‘The Turbulent Twenties’.

Maybe it’s because I live by the sea now and so I’ve a daily reminder, but the metaphor of waves always seems to come to mind. In life, there are calm days, flat days, stormy days, sunny days, grey days, fun days and unpredictable days. In my idealist’s 29 year-old head, turning 30 heralds an era of calmer waters, with waves that gently roll in on mostly sunny days.

In the advent of my 30th birthday, I have lost count of the number of times people have asked me how I am feeling about turning 30. They look at me with slightly narrowed eyes and a nervous apprehension, as if they are gently prising open the lid of a particularly sticky tin of something bad. I reply that I’m looking forward to it and that I feel ready for my thirties and to leave my twenties behind. They look surprised, slightly suspicious and somewhat relieved.

Was I crazy enough in my twenties? Did I do all the things you can only get away with when you’re young? I don’t know, but I did what I could at the time.

So, I’m looking forward to the Roaring Thirties. Having shaken off the self-consciousness of youth, I can open my mouth wide and take up more space and make more noise. I think I’ll be a little more free; a little more crazy; a little more me. My sisters have often reassured me that it’s normal for your twenties to be difficult, but that your thirties get easier because you know yourself better. That’s what I’m looking forward to.

Mindful moment: How do you feel about the passage of time? About birthdays? About the number? I don’t know how old you are; I don’t know how old you feel, but whatever age you are when you are reading this, how might you caption your current decade? Can you appreciate the journey of your own development with each passing year? What did your twenties mean to you? Can you be without regret, knowing you did your best at the time with what you had?

YOGA

Mindful Movement with Laura

Join us every Saturday from 11am-12.15 at the Cornerstone Community Centre in Hove for an all-levels vinyasa yoga flow class, meditation and mindfulness (mats provided or bring your own). £6 per class or £24 for 5.

Upcoming classes: September 30th

No class Oct 7th (30th birthday weekend!)

October 14th, 21st, 28th

REFLECT

“With mirth and laughter let old wrinkles come.”

― William Shakespeare, The Merchant of Venice

Mindful moment: How might you laugh more?

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Welcome to the Community.

I'm Laura, a yoga teacher and NHS doctor. With this weekly newsletter I aim to help you incorporate mindful moments into your week. I want you to feel inspired, empowered and creative. I promise to always be authentic; to only include content that speaks to me and which, therefore, I hope will do the same for you.

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Thank you for reading! Until next time, Laura x