Young children have so many exceptions about what their future holds; however, sometimes these are slightly unrealistic. For me, I thought becoming 20 and becoming "an adult" would be SO different than being a teenager. I had all of these assumptions and expectations about who I would be and what I would have. Although some of my hopes became a reality by the time I turned 20, many of them did not, and that's okay! If you are still a teenager and have wild expectations about turning 20, continue reading to find out what really happened for me and what was a total flop.

If you have reached 20 and beyond, you can probably relate to at least a few of the following:

1. I would have TONS of money

OK, let's talk money for a second. When I was younger, I had this CRAZY assumption that people who had jobs (any job) were paid a lot of money. So, here I am at 20 years old, making minimum wage at a part-time job. Obviously, I grew up in a fairytale world and my younger self was severely mistaken regarding money. Bottom line: no, I do not have TONS of money and budgeting IS real. (#RamenForDinner)

2. I would be engaged

LOL. Let's just take a moment to laugh at young Madison. When I was a child, 20 seemed SO OLD. I swore I would be engaged, maybe even starting a family! Such big dreams for such a small girl. My parents got married when they turned 21, so, naturally in my young mind I thought that was typical. WRONG. I can barely take care of myself and my cat: how the heck am I going to be engaged? Yes, in a perfect world I would love to be; however, this is not reality. (Not to mention I still have not met expectation #1) To my friends who ARE engaged/married, congratulations!! It was just not in my cards.

3. I would have a career plan

I have always been a planner. From the time that I was around 3-years-old, I had a career plan. I was going to become a criminal defense attorney. It was set in my mind and that is what was just going to happen! However, I signed up for LSU orientation and chose pre-pharmacy as my intended major. Then, at orientation, I switched my major to chemical engineering (yikes). By my third semester, I was an English/Pre-Law major. Finally! Back to my original career plan, right?? Wrong. Last semester I decided law school was not the path for me, and I am now a psychology major. So, as you can tell, I do not have a definite career path. And that's OK… right?

4. I would run every morning

Again, let's take a moment to laugh. I try to work out, but with school, work, and studying, who has the time? Young Madison would be disappointed in present Madison; therefore, I am going to make working out a priority once again. I am not sure how long this new declaration of health will last, but it's worth a shot.

5. I would be "skinny"

I understand that everyone has their own definition of "skinny," and unfortunately, I just do not meet mine. I have come to the realization, however, that I am my own hardest critic, and that I will always find SOMETHING that I dislike about my appearance. (Thanks society standards of beauty *rolls eyes*) Although I have not met my own expectation of "skinny," I have become confident in my own body and my 20-year-old self is proud. (Maybe I should actually start doing #4.)

6. I would be less stressed

This was a completely unreasonable, unknowledgeable assumption and probably the silliest thus far. Somehow in my little mind, I expected to be on my own, attending school, and having a job to be less stressful. Jokes on me: I am now on anti-anxiety and anti-depressant medications and I am STILL stressed 24/7. Still hoping for this to come true; however, I don't think life ever gets "less stressful."

7. I would have a study routine

So, I have somewhat met this goal of mine. I do have a pretty stable study routine that I almost always follow! God bless Lilly Pulitzer planners, colored pens, and flash cards; otherwise, I would not be able to pull this off.

8. I would have a "best friend group"

In many movies that I watched when I was younger, there always seemed to be a group of individuals who were "best friends" that would hang out, go to brunch, have shopping days, and drink wine at slumber parties. In my mind, everyone found this friend group by the time they turned 20! Unfortunately, I have yet to find a group of friends to do such things with. If anyone would like to start a "best friend group," let me know

9. I would have an awesome job

As mentioned above, I make minimum wage at a small part-time job. And I am happy! Although it may not be the job that my younger self-expected, I absolutely love my job and make the most out of every day. I have met amazing co-workers, have a chill boss, and am surrounded by a positive environment. There is not much more I could ask for!

10. I would love myself.

Accomplished. Although I am now 20-years-old and have not accomplished the majority of this list of expectations I had, I am proud of myself for the many things I HAVE accomplished in my 20 years of life. Sometimes we assume that life is just going to magically work out; however, real life isn't all that bad.