When we were five we were asked what we wanted to be when we got older; we answered with astronaut, rock star, unicorn. When we were twelve we were asked what we wanted to be when we grew up; our replies were teacher, doctor, farmer. At the end of graduation, once again we were asked what our decision was. We all said, “We don’t know anymore.”
When we were five we were asked who we had a crush on. They all thought it was adorable when we said a name. When we were twelve, we were questioned about who we were dating. They thought it was nice when we gave an answer. At the beginning of college they asked who we were settling down with. We said, “We don’t know”, so they pressured us to find love, for fear we would end up sad and alone.
When we were five, we were asked where we wanted to live. “At home with Mommy and Daddy” we replied, for there was no other place on Earth for us. Their response was to say, “Awe!” When we were twelve we were asked where we wanted to live. We shot back that we wanted to run away and never come back, so they laughed. At the end of college they asked us for the last time, and we said “We just don’t know.” Then they sighed.
What they didn’t realize at the time is that we were learning. We were learning what made us happy, who made us happy, where made us happy. We learned that time flew, people changed, and nothing was ever certain except for taxes and death.
So we feared time, we feared people, and we feared uncertainty. We feared being alone and not knowing what to do with our lives. We forgot to just be ourselves and became everyone else. We conformed to their standards on beauty, music, education, and love. When things changed, we feared it.
We forgot that things were supposed to change. We forgot that we were to trust they would end up as they were supposed to. Things happen for a reason. We will hurt and cry, some times we may even be filled with joy and laughter. Not every moment of life is going to be perfect. Our plans will change and so will we. Life just doesn't go as planned. If we are lucky, we may meet new people and see new places. The best part of life is enjoying the ride.
