Let’s Get Real: My First Month as a Twenty-Year-Old
Introduction
Hey everyone! With school out (at least until my spring courses start), I finally have some free time to sit down and write. Lately, I've been engaged in deep conversations with friends and family, navigating through significant changes that have encouraged me to reflect and share my thoughts. They often say that crying on your birthday is common, but for me, the tears flowed more freely during the first month of my twenties than ever before. They were onto something in the rom-coms I grew up watching; your twenties mark a pivotal time when life-changing events take shape. After handling my fair share of challenges in my short twenty years, I began realizing the importance of embracing change and staying in touch with my emotions, something I never would’ve said as a nineteen-year-old. So, let's dive right in!
Highs and Lows of the First Month
My journey of self-growth has been brewing within me for the past year since I embarked on a road trip with my faithful friend, Dug, by my side. I've come to believe that the most significant growth often occurs when we seek adventure independently, though it's equally important to have our loved ones cheering us on from the sidelines. Stepping into the unknown can be worrisome, but it's in those uncomfortable moments that real change begins to unfold. Reflecting on how different my life might have been if I had never left home, I've realized that true fulfillment only comes when our surroundings align with our inner selves. It's easy to be tough on ourselves, but confronting our struggles with someone else can be incredibly challenging. Admitting that my journey to self-acceptance was shaped by years of trauma and self-criticism has been a complicated truth to face. I set unrealistic expectations for myself, eventually taking me down when I couldn't meet them. It was then that I realized therapy was the next step forward. Since starting therapy last year, I've made significant strides in overcoming my inner demons and am now beginning to address the challenges around me. In the past, I've tried therapy, and initially, I believed I could outsmart the therapist. However, when I simply sat back, relaxed, and opened up, the real progress began. Remember, it's okay to be vulnerable. At some point, we must prioritize ourselves and our well-being. This doesn't mean neglecting others, but recognizing that true love and support mean wanting to see each other grow, no matter the obstacles we face.
Finding Strength in Words
I've been doing something I never thought I'd do so often: sharing my feelings. And if you know me, I usually add humour to my emotional conversations to lighten the mood. However, recently, I've realized that brushing the surface wasn't enough; I needed to delve deeper and confront these feelings head-on. It wasn't until I found the courage to voice them aloud that I truly began to understand the weight it held on me. Hearing my thoughts spoken aloud wasn't as horrible as I had feared. It felt free to acknowledge that these struggles were not mine to face alone. One mantra that has resonated with me throughout this journey is the simple question, "What if?" It's a reminder that, no matter how drastic the situation may seem, we always get through it. Instead of allowing my emotions to spiral out of control, I've made a conscious effort to identify my triggers and figure out what aligns with my values. This phase of life is a time for significant shifts in our relationships. As we figure out our values, we recognize that some connections no longer align with our aspirations. Engaging in those challenging conversations, particularly for individuals who prioritize others' approval, can be immensely difficult. Yet, as my mom said recently, "Let them." Choosing yourself over others is a new perspective that gave me newfound clarity. Not everyone is destined for our story, and that's perfectly okay. Maintaining peace, however, is essential, and clarity is critical. After all, life would be dreadfully dull if we were all the same, wouldn't it? Embracing conflict as part of life allows us to appreciate the diversity of human experience and can also make for excellent drama novel plots! So, it's essential to allow yourself to let them have their opinions about you because you can only control your thoughts and well-being. Once we connect with ourselves, we expand our focus to face the world.
Facing the Unknown
Engaging in face-to-face conversations is undeniably challenging, regardless of the circumstances. Yet, when you're secure in your truth and have worked on all efforts toward a compromise, sometimes the best thing to do is to step away. Stepping into uncertainty, whether in personal relationships, career aspirations, financial struggles, or any other area of life, can bring out a sense of fear. However, I assure you that things begin to improve once you find inner security. You become more equipped to navigate change and regulate your emotions, even amidst the actions of others. As I've mentioned earlier, confronting our challenges head-on, even when it means facing our inner demons alone, is essential for personal growth. We evaluate our relationships through this journey and discover careers that genuinely resonate with us. And remember, despite the solitary nature of this process, you're not alone. We're all navigating similar challenges simultaneously, and a sense of security lies in that. Opening up and allowing yourself to be vulnerable can lead to a more fulfilling life, bringing us one step closer to uncovering our purpose. Perhaps that's what the twenties are all about: discovering our path amidst the uncertainties of life, or so I've heard.
Moving Forward with Moose and more
Moving forward with Moose and more, I'm ready to embrace the next chapter. Having cultivated a positive mindset and surrounded myself with supportive people, Moose included, I am prepared for this next chapter. Returning to the Happiest Place on Earth for a year-long internship marks a significant change, requiring me to take a break from school. But this opportunity aligns perfectly with my career goals in the creative industries. As I embark on this adventure, I hold onto two guiding principles, as I talked about: "let them," allowing others to voice their opinions, and "what if," acknowledging potential setbacks. Stepping into my twenties feels like a chance for newfound growth, filled with optimism and determination. I encourage you to do the same. Embrace change, follow your instincts, and surround yourself with supportive people. Stay true to yourself, take risks, and trust your ability to navigate challenges. Approach each new chapter with resilience, optimism, and a willingness to embrace the unknown. And always remember, you're never alone. Whether with a faithful pet like Moose by your side or a supportive group cheering you on, there's always someone or something there to ease the journey.
Conclusion
Reflecting on my first month as a twenty-year-old, I'm grateful for the lessons I learned and the growth I experienced. This journey has been challenging and rewarding, from navigating deep conversations to confronting inner demons. I've learned the importance of embracing change, staying true to myself, and surrounding myself with supportive people. Stepping into uncertainty can be a scary thought, but it's also where real growth occurs. As I look ahead, I'm filled with optimism and determination. With Moose by my side and a newfound clarity, I'm ready to embrace whatever the next chapter may bring. And as you embark on your journey, I encourage you to do the same. Embrace change, follow your instincts, and trust your ability to navigate challenges. Remember, you're never alone; there's always someone or something there to ease the journey. Here's to embracing the uncertainties of life and finding strength in the journey ahead.
