Has it really already been two years? Two years since we walked across stage, said goodbye and went in to the great unknown called the real world? With our graduation two years passed, it’s an unfriendly reminder that we aren’t so young anymore.
For some of us, graduation meant going the next step — to college. For us, this two-year mark reminds us that we’re half way closer to the real world. For others, who went right in to the workforce, they’re two years in. Either way, we are all now 20-somethings in this big world, scared, wondering why exactly we were put on this earth.
If you’re anything like I am, these thoughts of the real world scare the heck out of you. This is referred to this as the Peter Pan Syndrome. It’s a real thing. According to Science Daily, Peter Pan Syndrome is when young adults are reluctant to grow up and develop real world responsibilities. This is a growing issue, as more and more people are sad to leave their youth behind them.
Regardless of where you may be in life, if you claim to be a Peter Pan or not, here’s some advice on how to make that transition into adulthood.
Cherish your youth.
Despite those who we graduated with who are now off to big things and who seemingly have their life all figured out, cherish your youth. It’s okay to feel lost in the shuffle, to not know the direction you’re headed. You’re not a lost cause just because you don’t have a huge desire to start paying your own bills and open a 401K plan. Enjoy what might be your last summer home, with Netflix, goofing around with your high school friends. With this in mind ...
Live in the moment.
This may well be your last summer home. So, stop obsessing over what others are doing, put your social media away and enjoy those around you. Go explore your hometown with fresh eyes. Eat dinner with your parents. Babysit the kids down the street who aren’t as young as you remember them being. Live in the moment, but also remember to ...
Look towards the future.
What are the things you can do today that might help you in a week, next semester, with that next job you want? Work on your resume or LinkedIn when you have a chance. Maybe sort through your old Facebook and delete those pictures that don’t represent how you want to be seen.
Read a book, watch the news, form an opinion. Use this time to decide who you want to be. Although you might be enjoying summer in the comfort of your hometown, be sure to stay up to date with the world surrounding you.
So yes, we may want to stay young forever, to forever stay in Neverland, but the future is inevitable. Many of us have a love/hate relationship with growing up. We all want to see who we can be, but hate to be leaving youth behind. This time in our life is crucial, it’s time to take advantage of it and learn a thing or two, but stay appreciative.
With this in mind, relax you’re not the only Peter in our class.
