I just turned 30 and finally started living

[@friendly76]

Thank you for sharing your thoughts and advice. Particularly about doing rather than planning. In my 20s, 30s, and even early 40s, I was all about taking that trip, going to that event, trying that new restaurant, etc. I would go on two or three trips a year, see four or five concerts, go to church retreats out of town. There is still a big part of me that is that person. But the 2020s really did a number on me and I've changed in many ways. I'll be 49 next year. It still doesn't sound accurate to say that because I feel 32, and I'm in perhaps the best shape of my life. Sometimes people still think I'm in my 20s. But the pandemic times really did change me. It takes a lot more effort to leave my comfort zone and routine of work, gym, church, hikes, and to be honest: screen time. Other than going to one concert this year, there were no big adventures. And going to that concert felt like this big effort (but it paid off - one of the best shows I've ever been to!) I've had these urges to plan trips and take time off work, but they haven't been getting past the research phase. I'm making it a goal to change that around in 2025. Thank you for the inspiration.

[@kieuoanhhuynh1664]

happy belated 30 birthday. Im turning into 30 this year also. Wishing us a keen 30's!❤

[@Bruno_fyi]

I'm 35 and let me tell you, whatever you achieve in the next 5 years, you will probably feel the same way you feel now. Thait's why you have to learn to be happy with nothing, because everything else just gives you a temporary boost in happiness. Life really is Sisyphus pushing a rock up the hill and and doing it over and over again, but the trick is to learn to love pushing that rock up the hill! 😄

[@AlexThaxton]

Well said! Great analogy 👌🏼

[@ofadrienne]

Oh I feel both of you… I am 40 now and it was just recently that I learned I could actually stop pushing the rock up that hill, that I was never actually condemned to that life - a life of endless effort, expectation and disappointment. Of course, there will always be rocks and hills to climb, and sometimes, as you said Bruno, we just need to learn to enjoy the effort and not attach ourselves to the outcome. But then there are other times when we have the power to let go of the rock, turn around, and just jump into the sea. It was enlivening to see you reclaim that power on your trip, Alex. Happy to be here with y’all on this journey. Here’s to all that’s to come 🙌🏼

[@AlexThaxton]

@@ofadrienne That's really interesting to hear! That dip in the sea was probably 30 minutes and it's still a big highlight for me, felt so good in the moment, and potentially changed the whole vibe of the trip. I'm 100% opting to act in that fashion going forwards ✌🏼 glad to have you have you on the journey!

[@1337ghomri]

I'm also 35 and can confirm what @Bruno_fyi wrote is absolutely true @AlexThaxton

[@feetfirstspeks]

Yeah, sometimes we just gotta go for it! I'll be 66 soon and I'm astonished at the speed of time, and bothered too. Some external stuff can enrich us, be fulfilling and give us a sense of achievement... but we need to be careful. I can remember the words of a businessman who said he climbed to the top of the ladder and discovered there was "nothing there." But that's career blindness, in my opinion. It's very common! We can build up a lot of stuff we must let go, or pass on. If we believe there's nothing beyond death, then we are totally focused on our life's goals, what we can experience and, hopefully, what we can contribute to others. But if life is actually much more than that, then we need to satisfy something deeper, something crucial that endures. Many have found that to be vitally true.

[@benasleo]

I also turned 30 this year, but I had a different realisation. You said “time flies” but honestly, I am just amazed on how much time we still have. Realistically, I have been an adult for about 10 years and only in the last 3 years I have achieved some basic things and started to enjoy life. To think that I have another 20 years until I am 50 is crazy to me. We often forget how many things happened in just the last 3-4 years. Even 5 years in the future for me is an eternity, since I consider myself a different person if I compare myself to when I was just 25. I think the best are still ahead of us! Good luck with your channel :)

[@feetfirstspeks]

But how do you know you will still be alive even this time next year (or next month)? My wife passed away 2 weeks after her 48th birthday. I used to work with a young man who was holding down a steady job and wasn't long married when he died at 26. And so on... We can be cautious and plan for tomorrow, but you can't know "how much time we still have".

[@benasleo]

​@@feetfirstspeks Sorry to hear about your wife. It's true that you cannot know for sure what will happen, but I don't really focus on the things I cannot control. There is always a chance this can be the last day, but I don't think there is point in even thinking about it. Just focus on doing your best and plan ahead and be optimistic about the future. That's the way I decided to look at life.

[@contmarks]

Turning 30 can be a profound milestone. As Kierkegaard observed, 'Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards.' Embrace this new chapter with the wisdom of the past and the excitement of new beginnings. Your journey is just beginning

[@pauljakeman]

Happy belated birthday. Really awesome and thought provoking video

[@Rudolph_Manor]

Happy Belated 30th Birthday. 🎂 Welcome To Your 30's. 💯

[@matt_alex_]

Thank you ❤

[@Benandmycat]

The lofoten islands is stunning, it’s amazing to have a dream to go somewhere at make it happen by actually doing it 😊

[@Haddonfield63]

Enjoy it man. I just hit 32 recently myself

[@pudsboi5203]

Brilliant vid. I’m older than you and had similar ambitions when I was in my 20’s. Now in my 40’s and I’ve realised the key to a good life is simply your health. Health is wealth. 🤙

[@marioguzmanphoto]

on my way to work, i had to stop in a park and take the time to watch this

[@wildgirl_jane]

Great video with an important message as always. Thank you 🫶🏼 I am 31 and I remember how I suffered from my perfectionism. I collected knowledge, tried to read as much as possible. But in fact I just postponed everything and procrastinate. At the same time I had terrible fear of missing out and felt under pressure. It was so difficult for me to find a balance and now I’m so happy that I started to take some actions and live in my own pace. Happy birthday, Alex! ❤

[@1337ghomri]

great video as always. Look like a lovely trip. Thanks for sharing with us and tm your thoughts. And beautiful shots as always!

[@garymorrow9324]

Great video!!! Even an old guy like me likes to be reminded to do something and not procrastinate. Happy Birthday!!

[@AlexThaxton]

Thank you so much! Glad you enjoyed the video!

[@whosyourbrad]

This video work is beautiful ❤ Happy birthday mate 🎉

[@AlexThaxton]

Thank you! ✌🏼

[@samuelshoesmith]

Just found your videos Alex. Loved these.

[@AzeAlter]

Happy birthday. Beautiful video.

[@itsmetimmee]

love your work, alex

[@KalpeshMange92]

I'm in my early 30s and it's been a while since I resonated with a video so much. Beautiful insight Alex. The things is, life is as much the same 24 hours yesterday, but just wiser every 24 hours everyday. Subbed. 😇

[@AlexThaxton]

Thank you! Exactly right ✌🏼

[@ziemelkarklini]

Loooveee the editing, can’t wait to see you grow and succeed! 🤍

[@AlexThaxton]

I appreciate that, thank you! 😊

[@ft.rishikant]

I think a lot of us think of starting something new at a early age but a number of factors delays it. I'm 16 and want to make films out of my life experiences. I want to travel as much as i can. I'm seeing people in 30s are all here. I'll appreciate some of the advice that you guys learnt the hard way. I'm starting freelance video-editing next year and hopefully buy camera and start doing what I wanted since 13. I know you might think I'm too small for all these but trust me, I have gone through a lot. I appreciate everyone who have the courage to work towards their dreams. ❤

[@AlexThaxton]

Dude you're so ahead of the game! I didn't pick up a camera until I was 19 and honestly I just goofed around for the first couple of years. If you're ambitious about filmmaking and editing, and you're into self development at 16... you're going to absolutely crush it 💪🏼

[@ft.rishikant]

@@AlexThaxton Even if I'm early into the game, sometimes I find myself being hard about why I didn't started chasing my dreams of filmmaking and travelling at an early age. But the thing I learnt is enjoying the process is what matters. There's nothing like late to start or early to achieve in the filmmaking realm. I'm badly passionate about storytelling and Improving myself. I'm so excited to start things next year. It's just perfect feeling😁

[@RallyPointYT]

I'm 5 years behind you and I relate a painful amount lol. Just collecting so much knowledge on how to achieve my goal but never actually putting it to use. And sure I genuinely have learned a lot of invaluable things but what does that even mean if I'm taking 0 action. So that's why now I'm making it my main focus to just take action and I repeat that word to myself constantly. My main problem is just perfectionism and overthinking, like I've had this mindset that if I can't do it perfectly might as well not start yet and keep learning yet more things, which is ridiculous cause I'm not missing knowledge, I'm missing experience putting that knowledge to use. So now my main goal is just action, even if I'm not happy with it cause I'm overthinking just keep taking action. Awesome video!

[@AlexThaxton]

Very well said! I've dealt with very similar stuff, a few things such as getting my work to 95% and then uploading, have been a big help. Also just looking at the artists and creators I admire and realising that what usually gets them ahead, is the output, and how they literally just make stuff, share it, move on. Joey from the channel Better Ideas has a great moto... 'Inaction is a slow death'. A bit morbid but it usually gives me the kick the need to get moving. Thanks for watching the video ✌🏼

[@CharlotteElizabeth3000]

This is SO good. The last shot made me laugh too 😂 seriously good job Alex, so many important little messages throughout too ❤

[@AnalyticalAnuj]

I am 30 and just inspired by you. I started my channel which I hadn't been able to do due to imposter syndrome but now I am on it.

[@AlexThaxton]

That's awesome! 💪🏼

[@rizfreelife]

man everything about this video is beautiful. instantly subscribed!

[@AlexThaxton]

Legend! Thank you!

[@johansharun]

Really inspiring video mate, thank you

[@AlexThaxton]

Thank you! ✌🏼

[@mustafizsardar]

Wow! Great realization. Just do it. . . . by the the way Happy Birthday.

[@AlexThaxton]

Thank you!

[@JStephenYoung]

Thank you Alex. This is beautiful (and perfectly timed :) Happy Birthday

[@AlexThaxton]

I appreciate that! 😁

[@EduardoBarbosa-fr1df]

I love your KZbin channel! Your cinematography and storytelling are very inspiring! Keep it up 🚀

[@AlexThaxton]

Cheers! 😁

[@lucilep.4232]

I love your videos so much ❤ This one especially because your are discussing the room that we are giving to our dreams and the actual actions that we should take to make are dreams reality. I also feel like as we grow up, we can be afraid of “getting too old” for our dreams… We only look at the time and money we have to invest without realizing that if we are going to invest our time and money in something, it should be in our dreams! I also loved that you talked about spontaneity and how important it is. I couldn’t agree more because some of the best moments of my life so far were unplanned. And then of course, your final message about “we are never ready” resonated with me so much 🌼🤍 it’s so true. The perfect moment will never come, so we have to create it. Anyway, as always, I loved your cinematography, your voice and the editing. See you soon :)

[@AlexThaxton]

You make some great points there 😊 so so right! Thank you so much! Really glad you enjoyed the video ✌🏼

[@Topher_wigums]

LETS GO BIG 3 0! Happy Birthday man! Keep up the great work! Love that opening shot!

[@AlexThaxton]

Thanks so much man! 😁

[@ArielleVermeulen]

Turning 33 in january. This video inspires me so much. I would love to solo travel one day, but i dont know how to begin. Most of all im afraid. I will look for possible places to go! Thank you 😊

[@AlexThaxton]

I would start small in your own country! Then build it up from there :) my first one was Stockholm back in 2015. 2 hour flight, great public transport and everyone spoke English, was perfect for dipping my toes into the solo travelling water!

[@cine_hazique]

Yesterday i turned 22, i have decided so many things to do.

[@VyNguyen-nx3fj]

Happy birthday to you Alex! The content and production is so good. What camera do you use?

[@AlexThaxton]

Thank you! Sony A7Siii with the Sony 24-70 2.8 ✌🏼

[@ChelseaCallahan]

Thanks for this video! Went perfect with my coffee this morning 🙂

[@AlexThaxton]

Thanks so much Chelsea! ✌🏼

[@JakeReesFilms]

Hey man! We met at GS a few years back! Awesome Vid

[@AlexThaxton]

Yes we did! Thanks mate, hope you're well!

[@williamgile]

Thanks for this video! Happy Birthday Bro!

[@AlexThaxton]

Thank you!

[@selfclarityacademy]

Lovely channel such inspirational energy and content. I don't know why algorithm pushes something less valuable, but keep posting I do the same 😊 And regarding 30es it is really a time when we are really letting go some things, realizing some truths about life and it's so hard be the same. Then we are finding ourselves - but no we have changed and it's good to accept that and go on choosing to live life, strive for joyful moments and not concentrating on those life truths that are our obstacles in being happy. 😊

[@AlexThaxton]

Thank you! Totally agree with your message 😊

[@Divyv520]

Hey Alex , really nice video ! I was wondering if I could help you with more Quality Editing in your videos and also make a highly engaging Thumbnail and also help you with the overall youtube strategy and growth ! Pls let me know what do you think ?