• One old boyfriend you can imagine going back to and one who reminds you of how far you’ve come.
• A decent piece of furniture not previously owned by anyone else in your family.
• Something perfect to wear if the employer or man of your dreams wants to see you in an hour.
• A purse, a suitcase and an umbrella you’re not ashamed to be seen carrying.
• A youth you’re content to move beyond.
• A past juicy enough that you’re looking to forward to retelling it in your old age.
• The realization that you are actually going to have an old age—and some money set aside to help fund it.
• An e-mail address, a voice mailbox and a bank account—all of which nobody has access to but you.
• A résume that is not even the slightest bit padded.
• One friend who always makes you laugh and one who lets you cry.
• A set of screwdrivers, a cordless drill and a black lace bra.
• Something ridiculously expensive that you bought for yourself, just because you deserve it.
• The belief that you deserve it.
• A skin-care regimen, an exercise routine and a plan for dealing with those few other facets of life that don’t get better after 30.
• A solid start on a satisfying career, a satisfying relationship and all those other facets of life that do get better.

http://littlemiss.tumblr.com/post/66654631/by-30-you-should-have