When you turn 21, you're supposed to feel like you're finally an adult. You've overcome the weird, semi-adult limbo years of 18, 19, and 20, and now you've reached full-fledged, real-life, person-ness. But deep down... sometimes you still feel like a lost little kid. And most of the time, you'd give anything to go back to simpler days, when responsibilities were scarce, and juice boxes were abundant. Even though your days as a five-year-old are way behind you, a lot of things have actually stayed the same. And it's comforting to find, that although everything has changed, a little kid still lives in all of us.
1. You’re Still The Dramatic Hoe You Were In Kindergarten
Although you’re not throwing temper tantrums (most of the time), you can’t deny that our generation lives for the drama. In the wise words of Joanne The Scammer, “If I don’t hear drama, I don’t hear nothing.”
2. Chicken Nuggets Is Still Your Meal Of Choice
Who knew that your favorite meal as a five-year-old would also be your favorite meal at 3:30 AM when you’re getting drunk McDonald's?
3. Nap-Time Is Still The Best Part Of Your Day
Back in Kindergarten, nap-time was used to take a rest from running around, and to give your teacher a rest from your god-awful screaming. Nowadays, it’s used to run from responsibilities and preserve sanity.
4. You’re Still Excited By The Same Things
Sure, your interests have definitely matured in some ways, but don’t lie: You still freak out when your favorite childhood Disney movie is on TV, or when food is shaped like animals. Have you ever surprised a 21-year-old with a container of Play-Doh? See what happens.
5. You Still Ask Your Parents Questions About EVERYTHING
As a five-year-old, your questions might have been, “Where do babies come from?” or “Why do the trees change color?” Now that you’re 21, those questions change to, “How do I fill out my tax return?” or “Can I eat this meat if I re-freeze it?”
So maybe it's true that age really is just a number. When you're on the cusp of adulthood, the world suddenly becomes a lot more complicated, and it's easy to get discouraged. With all the changes happening in your life, it's a good thing to retain child-like awe. It helps you appreciate the small joys of life, and to not take things too seriously. But most important of all, it helps you believe. Believe that things can be funny and beautiful and better. Believe that things can be taken exactly as they are. Hold on to this part of yourself for dear life. Because believing is what makes everything bearable, and most of all, worth it.
