Let’s face it; we’re old. No longer are the days of Girl Scouts, Limited Too and the "Twilight" series. As funny as it sounds, being a teenager is long behind us. I’m not even sure you can get away with rocking the grunge high school look anymore, even if you wanted to. Yes, it’s true, we’ve lost a lot of things with the accumulation of 20 plus years. We’ve lost our innocence of Santa Claus, not knowing what a mortgage meant, being woken up in the morning by our moms and fighting with friends over the high school quarterback. I know it sounds sad, but our twenties aren’t only about loss. It’s about gain, too, even if we don’t realize it. So as you move forward into this next decade of your life, I hope you know there are even more than just 20 things to look forward to. But if you need a few starters, this is just for you!
1. Learning how to cook.
I’m serious. Cooking can actually be fun if you can believe it. You can learn your favorite tastes and make meals your mom wouldn’t dare attempt, all because you are a real adult with a real kitchen of your own.
2. Learning how to bake.
This is more of a science, but it sure comes in handy. And it tastes even sweeter!
3. Graduating college.
Chances are, you’ve attended some sort of program—whether it be community college, a four-year university, a trade school or other program. So congrats on getting a certificate, degree or recognition for learning a specialized job that’s perfect for you!
4. Making friends.
Just like you made some of your best friends in first grade, you’ll definitely be making a few more in these next 10 years.
5. Traveling.
Maybe you’ll backpack Europe after graduation or maybe your new career will include some luxurious escapes. Take some pictures!
6. Decorating your new place.
Whether you move in with some friends, a significant other, a spouse or back in with your parents, you will for sure be decorating a new space just for you. Choose wisely!
7. Being invited to tons of weddings.
Ok, maybe we all don’t think this way, but I love any excuse to dress up. And what better excuse than love?
8. Getting married (maybe).
Who knows what the next 10 years will bring—maybe it’ll even bring a love of your own. Get excited!
9. Finding yourself.
I know, I know, it’s subjective. But whether you find a close-knit community through your colleagues, church, sports team or other group, you are sure to find community, and probably find yourself, too. After all, you are who you surround yourself with!
10. Living!
I know you’ve been living for the past two decades, but what a gift is it that you get the opportunity to live for more -- and call them your twenties! You will be making memories, taking pictures, eating food, learning new things, trying new jobs, writing, reading and loving. You will be living and that’s a pretty amazing thing.
So maybe as your 20th birthday rolls around you’re full of tears and regret of not being a teenager anymore. But instead of getting down about it, get excited. You have so much to look forward to!
