Over the years I've started to notice how birthdays are not really like they use to be. They have had this trend of losing the spark that they use to have - I came to the full realization of this on my 21st birthday as I took on the day as any other day.
Of course, your family and friends try and make it as special as ever. On my 21st birthday, I came to the understanding that it's something we all must accept. Accepting that you are growing up and it's time to get with the rest of the world. I am thankful for these 21 years, every day for the last 7,665 days I've learned something new. Whether it was learning how to walk on my own, talk or learning how to drive a car. Of course, I do understand that it is a celebration that you have been able to exist for a certain amount of years.
Like most things when you are growing up, everything eventually starts losing the magic it once had. I started thinking what turning 21 meant to me. At first, it was the idea that I can order an alcoholic beverage in a public place. Later it became more of the thought that I am a fully grown adult in the eyes of the law.
It’s really interesting to think that here in the United States when you turn 21 its considered a write of passage. In other cultures, you become an adult at a very early age, in some cultures you are ready to become a husband or a wife. In others, it means you are ready to bring the bread into the household for your family and the ages range all over the board. Getting to this age in the United States does not really have a lot of meaning behind it; the only popular opinion is that you can drink legally.
My brain started thinking of all of the things I have done that have gotten me to where I am today. The feeling that I had on my 21st birthday was not excitement but more gratitude. I am thankful that I have the opportunity to write and really make my thoughts flow, and have the possibility of changing the way someone looks at a certain subject. I do not have to change the way someone thinks, enough is the reward for getting some thinking. It really got me thinking that maybe this is the way I should try and make the world a better place.
My parents always talk about the younger generation has the power to change millions of lives and minds. Many people just really do not know how to make their voices be heard. Sometimes all people need is to hear the correct words to make them realize powerful they can be.
So if you are turning 21, start thinking what are you thankful for and all you have done to get to where you are today.
