Transitioning to Adult Life

There is a certain point in your life when you realize you have made the leap from teenager to full-blown adult. Growing up I was enamored with coming-of-age films, my head filled with the idea of my teens being filled with aesthetic romantic relationships, parties, and ‘firsts’ experiences. That led to me being disappointed when my teen years were awkward events.

Despite the claims that being a teenager is more tumultuous, I’ve found my 20s worse. How can you be expected to have your personal life, education, and/or career figured out immediately after school?

I’ve heard many older people say their 20s were the best time of their lives when they either found their preferred occupation or settled into domesticity with a nice partner.

In my opinion, what a load of crap. I’m sorry, someone had to say it.

As soon as I hit the big 2-0 I put so much pressure on myself to hit certain goals and be “successful”, pushed by the fear that I would fall behind. It felt like everyone was ahead and knew things I didn’t. Only when I finally confessed to my friends did I understand.

Despite the force we put on ourselves, the only way to learn is to experience. As cliche, as it sounds, make mistakes, try new things, and do things backward.

Our parents and grandparents give us advice, but we forget this is how they learned to live too. Don’t be too hard on yourself, at the end of the day we’re all just people trying.

-Taylor :)