Page 20 - Masala Lite Issue 159 March 2024

20 SPILL THE CHAI

Community members reveal the social,
emotional and physical changes that

happen after turning 30 and 40.

BY JASNAM SACHATHEP

s we grow in life, many things change. Our physical body, emotional state
of being, thoughts, and preferences all shift gears with each phase of life.
Milestones, marriage, kids, all bring about changes as well. From the young,
(not so) innocent 20s into the 30s and 40s, the body and mind begin to operate
differently, and new preferences creep in, sometimes even without realisation. KANCHAN CHANDIOK

A few voices from the community have shared their personal experiences on things 37 years old

that changed for them after turning 30 and 40.
I think it’s very common that everyone

who turns 30 sees changes in their shape,
size and colour. When you hit 30, your
hormones change naturally, and with
SARIKA SRIKHANDPUR that, perspectives also change. I grew
46 years old up in Bangkok and was always on the
heavier side in my youth. There were a lot
I feel like I’m at the beginning of an of judgments, and although given with
exciting journey. The challenges I’ve love and concern, believe it or not, most
faced so far have only made me stronger, of them started from home. Comments
teaching me to see the beauty in a rainy about one’s outer appearance, with very
day and to laugh in the face of minor little regard to a person’s inner traits, are
setbacks. Now, it’s all about welcoming very common.

life’s chaos with a smile, allowing my When I hit 30, I realised that these
talents to emerge and thrive. Even though comments meant nothing, and that
my vision might not be what it used to change is inevitable – don’t fear it,
be, my ambitions have never been clearer. embrace it and flaunt it. I live in Mumbai
It’s a thrilling time to explore what I’m now, a Bollywood city, and I am not at
truly capable of, and to do so with joy. all bothered by all this anymore. I truly
I’ve come to realise that the way I used urge and hope families will be kind, and
to live, always prioritising others’ needs choose their words wisely when trying
over my own without much thought, was to convey their thoughts and intentions.
not right. The way to truly love others
well is by first loving and taking care of Unfortunately, we are all stuck in this
myself. The challenges I’ve faced have social media-run, Instagrammable
only reinforced this belief, making me world where we feel like everything has
stronger, and teaching me to appreciate to look perfect. We fancy certain physical
the beauty in a rainy day. Now, I embrace shapes, sizes, and colours, and we start
life’s chaos with a smile, allowing my doubting and judging ourselves. Some
talents to flourish. As I navigate my 40s, people can accept the change naturally
I’ve come to appreciate the richness of and gracefully, but others are affected
life even more. Life doesn’t slow down; so adversely that they go to extreme
instead, it becomes more vibrant, and lengths to prevent them, which is often
filled with opportunities to find a harmonious balance between work, family, and not necessary. People fear obnoxious
self-care in rewarding new ways. judgements, and self-doubt hits hard.

Now, more than ever, I see the world in brilliant colours. I’m filled with a strong urge I personally think that we should always
to see new places, meet fascinating people, try foods I’ve never heard of before, and bring the best version of ourselves - in
really live a life that feels true to who I am. In a time when everything seems to move fact many people do bring out the best
too fast, I’m choosing to slow down. I want to appreciate every single moment, focus version of themselves at 30 and 40,
on one thing at a time, and enjoy life to its fullest. because there is an increased sense of
clarity, both mentally, physically, and
Taking this slower, more thoughtful approach has made me love the people in my life emotionally. You have to see yourself first.
even more. I’ve come to understand how important my own happiness and peace of Having the right people around you is the
mind are. They’re the source of my ability to give back to others generously. Without most important thing; be surrounded
feeling good inside, it’s too easy to get caught up in a cycle of feeling empty and just by those that add value to your life and
going through the motions.
support you no matter what.

Embracing self-love has completely changed the way I see things. It’s not just about There is no escape from change - embrace
looking out for myself; it’s about being a strong support for my community, making it, and if you want to do something about it, do it. You have to understand that your
a positive difference in society, and bringing joy and care to my family. This path of body itself does not define you, but a fit mind can foster a fit body. You can be sassy,
getting to know and care for myself better has brought me closer to others, not sexy, handsome and beautiful no matter what age, colour, and size you are. Most
further away.
importantly, you have to strive for a higher level of happiness. When you turn 30,
By making sure I’m happy and well, I’m in a much better place to help, love, and you will realise you have become more mindful and you are more aware of what you
motivate the people I care about. It shows that the best way to fill others’ lives with truly want. Those that are going to love you will do so regardless of how you look.
love and positivity is to start by ensuring you’re filled up yourself. This circle of caring You need to carve a niche path for yourself and live unapologetically. Don’t bother
for ourselves and then extending that care outward creates a healthier, more lively about what people say and be happy with yourself – that is what’s most important.
community. It’s clear that the deepest impact we can make starts with taking good Consciously understand your state of mind. It’s not that people’s opinions don’t
care of ourselves. matter, but remember, they don’t define you.

MASAL A LITE ISSUE 159 - MARCH 2024