We’ve all seen #adulting trending on Twitter, Facebook, and other social media platforms. Why has this risen among millennials? Because we’re growing up—together. We’re all embracing the dive into the “real world” as the first generation to be so connected with technology. We Google how to do things, ask WebMD and the Mayo Clinic about any sickness, and go to YouTube for tutorials on everything under the sun. We go to Facebook and Twitter to show off our newly-minted #adulting skills, daydreaming about being on Chopped or Top Chef as we make a homemade meal.
But while we see accomplishments, we also see complaints. Sure, it can seem like life shoots you with a paintball gun, knocks you over the head, and runs you over with a bus --all in one day. Mundane things like staying on the phone with the insurance company seems to take an eternity, while someone you love can change in the blink of an eye. There are growing pains that come with growing up. But there are also beautiful parts of #adulting that make it worthwhile.
My favorite part of growing up is looking back and seeing how I’ve changed as a person. Each year, we go through situations that either make or break us. Some are more challenging than others, and sometimes it feels like we can’t see the light at the end of the tunnel. But the fact that you’re looking back on these experiences today means that you’ve made it—and there’s no reason you can’t thrive in any challenging situation you’re facing now. These situations push and pull at you, but through the trials comes growth, especially maturity.
Each year we become different people. This growth isn’t a fast process. It happens bit by bit, day by day, until we can look back and see progress. There are things we’ve conquered that, a year ago, we thought were nearly impossible. At one time, there were relationships and friendships that we couldn’t see ourselves without—but we learned to let go when they became unhealthy. There is anger we’ve let go of and people we’ve forgiven, as well as people we’ve asked forgiveness from. There were fears that seemed insurmountable a few months ago, but now, we can face them because we’ve had to. And we learned that these fears aren’t so bad after all.
Through everything, we’ve leaned on one another for support. There were many nights my friends and I vented to one another, ate ice cream, and laughed through our favorite shows. There have been tears, but those tears were outnumbered by smiles. Friends have stayed up to talk and make sure you’re doing okay after a breakup or a rough situation. We’ve sent GIFs of encouragement to one another when we weren’t around to give a big bear hug. For the most part, we’ve been there for one another and we’re not going anywhere soon.
So here’s to the journey of #adulting. May we continue to lean on one another. May we continue to face our fears. May we continue to thrive in difficult situations. And may we continue conquering and growing, one day at a time.
