(I just had this conversation with my daughter yesterday; she turns 29 in less than a month)

I found turning 30 to be a liberating experience.

The way I looked at it is there are still a great deal of expectations placed upon a 29 year old to be young - especially in their appearance. Once you turn 30 it seems you are finally allowed to be yourself. It is a freedom of sorts.

My 45th year was the best in my life. I have felt younger in my 40s than I did in my 20s.