30 year-old life lessons

I'm finally focusing more on myself and my own goals. I used to try to focus on other people, friends or significant others, and help them out ofvtrouble or to reach their goals. When I was younger I thought I was doing this out of altruism. As I got older I realized that it was a way for me to not focus on my own problems. It's easier to help someone than yourself... or at least I think so.

The other issue was that by turning my attention toward others, I never really learned much about myself. I understood that I wanted to start "living for me", but by the time I figured that out I didn't even know what I wanted. I had to take time to get reacquainted with myself. I had to really think about what was it that I wanted, unrelated to anyone else. What makes me happy?

Now that I am 30 I feel a new sense of independence. I've read other articles by 30 year-old women who talk about this awareness, and I never truly understood what they meant until now. I definitely care less about what other people think and I am more in tune with myself. I set better boundaries. I respect myself. I have goals that I would've considered selfish at a younger age, but now I acknowledge that doing something for yourself first or someone that doesn't relate to others happiness doesn't make you selfish. It means that you value yourself and you care about your own needs too.