adulting (verb): a common phrase used by a handful of millennials trying to describe the trials and tribulations of becoming an adult. It is not (yet) a real word, but can be used in sentences such as, “I tried to make dinner tonight and now the house smells like burnt toast. Adulting is hard.”
I can’t imagine I’ll ever stop saying phrases like, “I’m just trying to be an adult,” even when I reach the age of 80. Adulting, or the process of becoming an adult, is hard and there’s no denying that. All of a sudden, especially when leaving home for the first time, you realize that you have to look after yourself, and that means making dinner, doing laundry, saving and keeping track of finances, waking up on time for school or for work, buying toilet paper and so much more. Whether you’re in a serious relationship or not, having the ability to maintain your independence and stay true to yourself is a crucial part of ‘adulting’.
Be passionate in everything you do. Fervent energy in the paths you pursue will reward you in great and unexpected ways. Along with passion, comes effort and confidence in your abilities.
Stand your ground. Stay true to yourself and your opinions with confidence and openness to others. Having the ability to state your own opinion while also being receptive to the ideas of others is a mark of maturity and independence.
Try to understand and accept that you will fail (and you’ll—most likely—fail often). Failure is a window to success. An old, and fairly renown, Japanese proverb reminds us to, “Fall down Seven times and stand up Eight.”
Find your happy. Whether it's sports, a good hike, reading an old book, or watching a classic film, know what makes your heart sing and what makes you feel alive.
Remember that every person you meet has a lesson to teach. Whether someone stays in your life for 6 years or one day, each and every person you encounter teaches you something. Throughout the years, many of the people I have met have taught me patience, resilience, strength, sensitivity, loyalty, and so much more. People don’t have to stay a lifetime to make an impact on your life.
That being said, let go of toxic friendships and relationships in your life. You deserve respect, understanding, care, love, and so much more. Don’t cut yourself short.
Nourish your mind, body, and soul. Focus on yourself! Smile in the mirror, eat an energizing breakfast, take afternoon walks, go to the gym, embrace time spent alone, take a yoga class, meditate or take a nap. Learn to love yourself in ways that no one else can.
Independence doesn’t mean you have to do it all alone. We all have our ups and our downs, and sometimes we need a friend to laugh with, or a shoulder to cry on.
“No one is here today because they did it on their own."
Amy Poehler
