We are becoming adults. People that are stable, well-rounded and driven in a way that we have never been before. Up until this point everything generally has been decided for us. What we wear as a child, when we go to bed as a teenager and whether or not it is OK to come into the house at 3 a.m. after a long night of drinking when we are visiting our friends from home. Now we do that all on our own. Every decision that is made is our own choosing. We don’t have anyone here telling us it isn't OK to wear that revealing piece of clothing, when to go to bed and not to come into the house at 3 a.m. with booze on your breath knowing that you'll have a wicked hangover in the morning. We are adults, or at least we are trying to be.
When our parents come to visit we work and work to make it seem like we have our lives together. The kitchen shines, and our beds are made. We do things we wouldn’t normally do just so we can make sure that they know we are doing just fine. We hide our bottles of Absolut and the leftover 30-rack from last weekend. The ashtray is hidden that we use when we turn into chain smokers due to the few drinks in our system. We put on a smile and greet them with a warm hug even though we may not have spoken for weeks. The pong table turns into our homework spot. We gather the cans that are scattered throughout the yard from all of the people that came and went. We highlight the good. Showing off the "A" we got on our last paper that we had worked on for weeks. Telling how we nailed the interview we had last week, thanking Dad for teaching the importance of a firm handshake and that first impressions are key. Talking about almost everything and nothing at the same time, but reminding yourself how nice it feels to say "Mom." Discussing your future, and hoping that the plans that you have, make them proud of the direction you are headed. We might not do everything exactly right, but parents, trust me, we're trying. Ultimately though, we're just trying to figure out who we are, and that is probably the thing that we hide the most.
It is here that the question lies. Considering it all, are you the person you want to be? Be someone that you are proud to claim.
I am strong because of my trials. I took care of my dad when he was sick and had to cope with losing him. This taught me responsibility and how to be strong, but that it's OK to let loose and it's also OK to cry. I am wise because of my failures. I made a lot of mistakes that ultimately resulted in guilt and self-loathing, but turned into lessons that I won't ever forget. I am successful because of the chances that I have taken. I used to be afraid but, now I face the world head on and through that I have learned how to come out on top. I am independent because I have a family that I can depend on. A never ending support system will always be within my reach, through this I have felt and learned how to love. I am courageous because of my challenges. I am worth it. I am capable. I am loved. I used to believe that this love could only be satisfied by a boy, I learned how to love myself.
You too have the ability to acquire that strength. You can conquer even the toughest mountains. There is always someone there for you just be willing to open your eyes. You are worth it. You are loved. Have a little faith. You are going to end up exactly where you are supposed to be. Even if you failed your last test or ended up getting written up for having alcohol in your room. You will grow into the person you are destined for. You have the ability to be the very best version of yourself, it all starts with believing that you can.
I am growing into the person I have always wanted to know. Today is the first day of the rest of your life. Who are you?
