I turned 25 a couple of weeks ago. Though I have never been particular about birthday celebrations, I was a bit anxious about this new age. As my birth month and date came closer, I grew sadder and wished I could pause time.
I actually enjoyed being 24. But for some weird reason, turning 25 came with some stark reality checks. It occured to me that my life wasn’t really where I wanted it to be.
Thankfully, I know that most people feel this way. Maybe it’s 25 or 21 or 30. But there comes that point, as you navigate adulthood, when you realise that things are a lot different in your head than they are in the real world.
Now that the birthday has come and gone, I no longer feel trepidation at being 25. I have also analyzed my plans and life goals more. Truth is, those plans were really long-term and I was putting myself under a terrible amount of pressure to achieve them at a certain time. Maybe you are also like me, wondering where time is rushing to. I want to remind you that every success or milestone comes with a process. Opportunities are not sudden and the life you are living now is part of your success story. Allow time to take its course, and know that this process is different from person to person.
This new age has made me more vulnerable as I think about my life. But vulnerability is good. I acknowledge that, indeed, I have done things the right way. I have been deliberate, I have made the right choices (also bad), gotten good outcomes, and for that, I am grateful.
Gratitude has helped me I am look forward to what each day of the new year holds for me. More than ever, I promise myself never to doubt my capabilities or for one second. Nor will I try to sell myself or my accomplishments short.
So yes, things were not as I expected, but things have been good and things will get better. The moment I realised this, I snapped out of despair, went out with friends, laughed, ate cake and small chops, and looked forward to my future.
Of course, the doubts, worries, and second-guessing might come from time to time, I know better now than to allow them steal my moments of celebration. Happy 25 years on earth to me!