You’re Growing Up, Let’s Talk About It
Written by Lila Mabanta
The changes that come with growing up can be quite scary–I should know, I’m a Taurus. As much as I appreciate change after some time, it’s never my favorite thing in the moment.
With May being the time of college graduations, and June following–as well as personally being newly 22–the time of change is here for many people. That is very exciting, but it might hit a few weeks later when the change is prevalent, and you realize in the blink of an eye one of the biggest parts of your life already came and went. How did that even happen?
In regards to new graduates, like myself, this will be one of the most pivotal times in our lives. Maybe you’ve found a job or summer internship (if so, check out my last article: What's in Our Shopping Cart For a New Job), and will be staying in your own apartment or so. Or, maybe you have or haven’t, and will be moving back home with your parents. Either way, both situations aren’t going to look the same as they were before. You’re still young, yes, but you’re perceived differently now, you’re perceived as a young adult. Not a teenager, nor a college student, but a young adult who may start being expected to take on many more responsibilities than before.
And if that’s the case, that’s okay. It sounds daunting, I know, but there’s also so much more freedom that comes with that, too. No more nights and weekends being consumed by homework and studying (I mean unless you’re heading straight to graduate school, or similar). No more group projects to coordinate. If you have a job, you focus on that while you’re there, and when you’re home, the overflow is less of the case. And that’s exciting because think about all the increased free time you’ll have and your newfound independence that won’t restrict you from as many things. You can do anything you put your manifestations to–try with the help of Rebirthing You: How to Become Your Manifestations.
Regardless of whether you’re a graduate or not, at any point in your life, you’re probably going to look back at some of your best (or even mediocre) memories and wish you were there again. I’m one of those people who can spend hours and hours and hours scrolling through their camera roll, longing to go back to moments encapsulated there. And then I remember, the point that I’m at in my life now, seemed so scary and intimidating back in those memories, but here I am, doing it. And it’s not like every single change and growth and adaptation was intentional–change is rarely ever noticeable until it has already happened.
So, we’re growing up. We are changing and evolving, and that’s all you can ask for. It is nice to have some things to ground you–things you loved as a child. For me, that’s playing Club Penguin or rewatching my favorite Disney channel shows Hannah Montana, Suite Life of Zack & Cody, Wizards of Waverly Place, and so on. Or, meeting my favorite childhood authors when they randomly have a book signing in my city (I still can’t believe I met R.L. Stine). Overall, I think it’s great to have things you connected to as a child, and still do today. It can feel like a constant in the world’s so many variables.
On the other hand, though, it’s important to also find new things that interest you. Reading new books, watching new shows and movies, finding new hobbies or activities you like to do. Find things that you enjoy a lot, presently, so you aren’t always looking back to the past. For example, I’ve been watching Glee for the first time this past year with my roommate, which has been a great newfound tradition we’ve created, that doesn’t look back on time but instead looks to now and forward.
With friends as well, it’s natural to grow up and apart. Sometimes friends you made 10 years ago show a testament to being lifelong friends. However, sometimes friends you made 10 years ago mean that you aren’t the same people you were when you first formed your friendship and that over the years, you’ve naturally changed into people who don't necessarily align anymore. That’s true if you’re my age, or 50 years older.
As weird as getting older may feel, it’s such a privilege. So many people don’t have that privilege. So if you notice a little expression line or wrinkle or strand of gray hair, remember that’s a sign of living life, and being lucky to be able to reach that point. Sorry to get a little bit heavier, but I think it’s important to mention when talking about this topic.
With all of this, don’t try to force anything. Don’t force staying in the past, don’t force friendships, and don’t force growth. Yes, you can push and challenge yourself, but don’t force anything that isn’t natural to who you are and your progression in life. No one has any of this mastered– I definitely don’t–but I think it’s important to acknowledge and know that we are all on the same boat of uncertainty and change.
Be well,
Lila
