Today, like most days, I got to thinking about my future. It's a topic that frequently enters my mind -- one of the curses of being a senior in college, I guess. Each day I am ambushed by thoughts and worries concerning the rest of my life. I mean, it's a pretty realistic concern, right? It feels like my entire life hinges upon the decisions made in the next few months, so that's a reasonable cause for concern, isn't it?
Well, maybe not. The realization that I have (ever so slowly) come to is that there is something exciting and wonderful about having so many unknowns regarding the future. Realistically, our early twenties are the only times in our lives when our futures are so unpredictable (with some exceptions). For the most part, our lives will be relatively static and predictable once we have jobs and get married and have kids. Our lives at age 32 will likely be very similar to our lives at age 34, and our years will start to run together.
Right now, at age 21 or 22, a lot of us have literally no idea what our lives will look like at age 24, and that's okay. It took me a considerable amount of time to be "okay" with accepting this truth, but I now feel much more understanding about the uncertainties regarding the future. Honestly, there is something so exciting about not knowing where you'll be in five years. Could I be living in Europe? There's a chance. Could I have completely changed my chosen career path? Absolutely. Could I be homeless? Potentially! I mean, how exciting is not knowing?!
In all seriousness though, I think the key is planning for the future and allowing yourself the greatest opportunities for success, while simultaneously letting go of any anxiety that the future may bring. Work hard and do your best work in every endeavor, but when you've done everything that you can do, stop worrying. It is easier said than done (trust me, I know), but I think it's crucial in order to eliminate nervous breakdowns and random crying in public places.
So, shout out to all my ladies and gents whose futures are as uncertain as the weather next Tuesday. I feel you. I respect you. We will be okay. Just try and remember to embrace this time in your life, because it wont always be like this. Eventually, life will get semi-predictable, unless you decide to be a nomad or potentially choose a career in rock and roll. So make a decision today to let go of any anxieties regarding your future. I promise, your 25-year-old self will not look back and wish you had worried or stressed more. Embrace the unknowns and enjoy everything your early 20's has to offer, because you only get to live this decade once.
