The Biggest Life Lesson in Your 30s: Nothing Is Permanent
When you reach your 30s, a powerful realization sets in—nothing in life is permanent. The things that caused emotional turmoil in your 20s now seem trivial. What truly matters is the present moment. There’s no going back—only forward.
Despite this, many of us spend too much time worrying about the future. We make detailed plans, stress over “what ifs,” and live as though we have unlimited time. But the truth? Not even the next minute is guaranteed.
Fear of Starting Over Comes from Past Trauma
When stepping into something new—a career change, a relationship, or a personal goal—past failures can hold us back. I experienced this myself when I transitioned from fashion design to consulting.
My first business didn’t go as planned, and that failure created subconscious fear. Every time I tried to focus on my new career, I felt drained and unmotivated. Eventually, I realized that unresolved stress from the past was affecting my present and sabotaging my future.
✅ Tip: Reflect on your “why”
Ask yourself: Why do I want this? What drives me?
When your reasons are stronger than your fears, you take control. I chose not to let the past define me—and took a leap toward my dreams.
Don’t Carry Emotional Baggage into the Present
Too many people let past disappointments cloud their present. They live on autopilot, not fully experiencing the moment.
Since I was young, I’ve made it a habit to check in with myself before making big decisions. Before choosing to study fashion design, I asked myself:
- Is this truly what I want?
- Why fashion? Why Italian instead of English?
When I had clear answers, I moved forward with confidence.
To me, trying and failing is not regret—wanting and never trying is.
Seize Every Opportunity: Travel, Learn, and Live Fully
At 19, I moved to Italy. One of my biggest dreams—besides studying—was to travel as much as possible. Even if I had just one free day, I’d hop on a train and explore nearby cities like Florence or even faraway ones like Verona (even for just a day!).
Growing up in Istanbul, I knew how exhausting traffic could be. So spending 3 hours on a peaceful train ride was a joy in comparison.
In my 20s, I made use of every opportunity—travel, food, learning, friendships.
Did I have stress? Of course. In 2017, when I started my own business, I faced countless challenges until I closed it in 2023. But I never stopped living fully.
The Future Isn’t Guaranteed—Live Like It
We live as if there’s an endless future ahead. But life is short, and often unpredictable. You don’t truly understand this until someone close to you passes away.
Recently, my neighbor of 12 years passed away. Though we weren’t close friends, she was part of my everyday life. She greeted me from her window, chatted often, and was always kind.
She had a fall, was hospitalized, returned home, and seemed to be recovering. I visited her twice after she came back. A few weeks later, she passed away.
My other neighbor didn’t visit, thinking she’d go later—and deeply regretted it.
❗ Lesson: Never postpone love, care, or action.
Don’t Wait to Be Happy—The Moment Is Now
Happiness is not something that arrives after achieving a goal. Many people chase success thinking it’ll bring fulfillment, only to feel a strange emptiness once they get there.
Success, without presence, often feels hollow.
If that weren’t true, every wealthy, successful person would be overflowing with joy—but they’re not.
👉 Happiness is a mindset, not a destination.
Instead of delaying joy, embrace the now. Invest time in:
- Quality time with loved ones
- Small daily pleasures
- Gratitude and mindfulness
- Acts of kindness
Make the Most of Every Moment
If there’s something you want to do—don’t delay it.
Don’t treat life like it’s permanent. If you have a dream, a desire, or a connection you want to nurture, act on it today.
The best investment you can make is in yourself—and in living the present moment fully.
“Happiness and peace are not found in grand achievements, but in your perspective and the small things you do every day.”
