It has been a few months (again) since I found myself typing away a blog post for heymaxinesplace. It has been a bit of a whirlwind of a year, full of ups and downs; such is life. 2025 has gone by so quickly, and it has been a year of trying to discover who I am, what I want from life and what do I want for the future.
In a few weeks, I will be turning the grand old age of 30, or 30 years young, depending on how positively you look upon ageing. I feel like time has passed so quickly, and whilst I have done some things I am proud of in life, I feel like I have only just discovered myself. With that self-discovery, it feels like time is melting away between my fingers. From jobs, health struggles of family members, to slugging away through the life of a PhD student, it has been a difficult year with sprinkles of fantastic things. I feel slightly stuck in my life and need to make some changes to be able to live the life I want to lead, and build a life I am fulfilled in.
To try and add some spring to my step, I have taken up exercising (again) after feeling guilty for spending my free time on anything but my PhD. After having been running doing the couch to 5k for a few weeks and going to classes that focus on the MIND and CORE, I have found I have started to feel a bigger sense of self-value, probably as a result of endophins. I think people really undervalue the role of exercise in improving how you’re feeling. Its SO GOOD FOR YOU, it doesn’t take too much time out of the day and has so many benefits to your physical, physiological and mental health. I have found that my body “feels” better, less stiff, less stressed, it is a great accessible way to try and make a small positive change.
You can follow my journey on my YouTube channel, the only means of keeping myself accountable.
I think turning 30 hits everyone differently. It presents life in a different perspective: you’re no longer the young, free-spirited kid you once were. Although I don’t think I was ever young and free-spirited, I am feeling the requirement to spread my wings now, probably as a result of not feeling that I lived my 20’s fully. I have finally found my passions: I love learning Japanese, studying and researching, and travelling. I feel for somethings I have missed the boat, but I hope for many others I am just started packing the essentials and soon will be on route to new adventures and experiences. I am sure it is what parents label “a phase” but I feel turning 30 is an opportunity for self discovery and to take on new adventures. I’m hoping this new decade provides great opportunities, and the up-hill battles to get there provide me with an enhanced and greater appreciation for what life throws in my direction.
If you’re reading this and feeling the same way of approaching a big birthday, just know the feelings of confusion about whether you have done what you’re meant to do with your life are normal. I know that I am not the only person on the planet who approaches 30 questioning the what-ifs and can I’s of life. For now, I am focusing on getting this PhD finally done and dusted after four years of work. Once that is done, then I will have plenty of time to figure the rest of this wonderful life out. I will try my best to keep you updated on what’s going on and try and get that knitting content I know you all love out soon.
I’ll write again soon,
M x
