Ever since I was young, my plan for the future was always clear (with changes over time). This provided a sense of security since I like to know what comes next, and I am not very good at "winging it." I always start my assignments and studying in advance, and if I leave it to the last minute, I fall short to my overwhelming levels of stress. It is not my most favorable quality I have as it tends to prevent me from living in the minute and believing in "que sera, sera."

What does this have to do with "Catcher in the Rye" by J.D. Salinger?

Ever since one of my sophomore year teachers assigned reading "Catcher in the Rye," I have been infatuated with it. Honestly, it was the only school book I read that year without the help of Sparknotes or Shmoop. I have read it five times outside of class; I also recently started reading it again when summer break started.

The novel follows a boy, Holden Caulfield, who has an issue with growing up and the loss of innocence. He is not only worried about his tendency to mature, but is also worried about the world around him. Caulfield even calls out what he believes as "phonies." This has led me to question why such a planner like me would enjoy a book centered on how negative the future and adulthood is? If Holden had ever met me, I would not be surprised if he called me a phony.

I have concluded that my inner desire solely enjoys the ideas of Holden. In psychoanalysis, it is defined as the id. The id is the part of the mind where innate instinctive impulses and primary processes manifest. In other words, it contains ideas that are suppressed to maintain your responsibilities.

I love this book so much because I find beauty in the idea of preserving innocence and appreciating the moments. Not that I hope to be Holden Caulfield (he clearly does not seem to have the perfect life yet who does), but rather I wish I had the same ideals and perspective (of perceiving innocence in everything, and living in the present). Reality and the inevitability of growing up is not fun and pretty. Although avoiding the duties of life, like Holden does, is not the answer, one can learn much about slowing down to look around.

One of my favorite quotes is "life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass, it's about learning how to dance in the rain" by Vivian Greene. Make goals for your future and see them through, but ensure that you also enjoy the process.