If I got a dollar every time my friends made a reference to "22" by Taylor Swift on my birthday, I definitely would have gone out and gotten drunk that night.
But, let me tell you what I did instead: I sat on my couch and ate Chipotle after coming home from a long day at work.
I imagined my 22nd birthday to be the polar opposite. In my head, I saw myself getting belligerent and having the best time with my favorite people. It was supposed to be a rowdy birthday celebration since my previous birthday had been tamed. In reality, I sat in an office, sorting through paperwork and accommodating familiar faces throughout the day. My coworkers did their best to cheer me up — and I appreciate them so much for doing so.
As my birthday got closer, the concept of adulting, especially in college, hit me harder than Regina George getting hit by that school bus.
Being a working college gal is a whole different story. If I'm being honest, it was a huge obstacle for me to balance academics and work in addition to living by myself. Don't even get me started on maintaining a social life. Feeling overwhelmed almost became a permanent state for me because I always had something happening right after the other. If I wasn't stressed out over what I had to do, I felt weird. I know the amount of stress I experienced was unhealthy, but being an adult is no joke. When you're a first-timer, the craziness really gets to you.
My loved ones noticed how my hectic life has burnt me out. They know how much of an overachieving perfectionist I am. Rather than advising me to give myself a break and take it easy, they sent words of affirmation. Some of my closest friends, including my boyfriend, watched me beat myself up for things I couldn't control. They told me that I've been underestimating my accomplishments; they pointed out what I've achieved and what I've been doing so well in. I'm not one to ask for reassurance, but hearing them express how proud they are of me changed the way I look at myself.
When I woke up at 6:30 a.m. on my birthday, I hated my life a little bit. Of course, I was sad that I couldn't get a day to celebrate my special day — plus my boyfriend's graduation. I guess this is what being an adult is all about. Whether I like it or not, I have to make sacrifices. I'm no longer a teenybopper that can expect to go everything her way. I have real responsibilities now.
Chilling and devouring a steak bowl are nothing like partying, but that's just how life goes. Growing up sucks, that's for sure. There's always a con to a pro.
I am absolutely thankful for the life I live. Regardless of how hard it can be at times, I'd like to think that I'm very fortunate to have what I have. And, I'm surrounded by the best people.
