Okay, okay. So I’m not really having a quarter life crisis. I’m not even sure that those exist. But what does exist, for me today anyway, is the fact that I made it to 25. And although it’s not a super exciting age (turning 21 and legally downing your first Rio Margarita, for example, is a hell of a lot more memorable than finally being able to rent a car… ) it does feel different. More solid? More serious? Damn it, I actually feel older.
It’s probably safe to assume that I’ve done a pretty good job at acting older than my actual age in general, always being one of those kids that wanted to be a grown up. But now that I’m officially in my mid twenties, I can’t help but want to regress a little. (I’m seriously fighting urges to run off to Europe to backpack or pierce something on a whim. Christ, I don’t even know what I want to be when I grow up!) Do I fear that the best of the years are over? Not at all. But there is something that makes me take pause at this new age and observe who I have been, who I am currently, and who I want to be. Taking stock, if you will.
I guess the thing that’s different this year as opposed to other birthdays, is that I feel that I’m at this precipice and I can see forever and ever, but the forever part is kind of foggy (pretty, but foggy). My surroundings are beautiful and when I look behind me, the landscape is green and interesting and brings a smile to my face. But the future? Anyone who knows me can tell you that I’m pretty good at going with the flow. And in general, I’m happy with that. But I am more aware now than ever that things can be exactly as I want them to be. We are all responsible for creating (and recreating!) ourselves. So I guess the question du jour is, what do I want this year to entail? Who do I want to be?
This blog can not possibly hold all of the things that I want to work on in the next year and beyond, but for now, on my birthday (or birfday, as Fiddy might say) I might jot down a resolution or two. And I will do it here, in Blogland, where everyone can see it and hold me to it forever.
So, Self, here is your Quarter Life Manifesto:
- Enjoy the moment. This is such a hippy thing to say, but really, it’s a nice thing to work on. Harder than it sounds.
- Stop complaining. Whenever you complain about something, stop yourself (or try, at least) and replace it with a better thought.
- Take care. Be mindful of whatever you feed your body. (Stop eating so much sugar, fool!) Also, go to the dentist once every 6 months, no matter how much you hate it.
- Take better photos. Master portraiture. Photograph a wedding to see if you love it. Then maybe, maybe work on starting up a little side business.
- Figure out that guitar you bought today on a birthday whim (oopsies!) and write a pretty ditty or two.
- Do things that make you feel like you and don’t hold back when seeking adventure.
- Be genuine, be yourself, do not coast through.
- Make travel possible by saving money (totally do-able.)
- Love more fully (this includes not being so hard on yourself).
- Be aware that every day is an opportunity to create yourself. Even the bad days will teach you something. Be grateful.
So, that’s a good start, I suppose. In closing, let’s just say that I’m ready for action. I’m ready for whatever comes this way, and will do my best to handle every day with grace and honesty and laughter. Come on 25, you cheeky, mysterious thing you. Bring it.
This year: more adventurous.
