29. It feels ridiculous to fill out the 26-35 age bracket on forms – like, when did that happen?! But it’s true. Today, I turn 29. Like smoke leaving a moving train, my 20’s went up in a puff, disappearing amidst the clouds and only leaving behind a faint scar colouring the night sky. I’ve loved and laughed and cried and seen myself grow even beyond my own imagination! I’ve had dreams that were crushed and became thorns that gnawed at my soul, and others that blossomed into beautiful scented roses – both playing a vital role in shaping my life today.
The truth of the matter is: I’ve become an adult. I’m making adult choices and driving an adult’s car and (soon!) working an adult’s job. The freaky thing is – there’s a girl in pigtails, crooked teeth, loud frizzy hair, and a short dress faking this whole adult sham and what’s even more freaky is that the world is buying it! Perhaps that’s why I wave a napkin at my 20’s with a smirk and a wink – they know it doesn’t really matter what number comes up, that little girl will always be in the background laughing it off. I feel as though it’s time to pass on the wisdom though, you know – like passing on the torch to those 20-something ‘juniors’ yet to reach the tip of the iceberg?
Let’s get real. Going through your 20’s is like ziplining down a mountain: it looks steep, feels like it will take you forever, and that it’s going to be one heck of a ride! And that’s exactly what it’s like: a decade of fun, of pain (don’t tell me that rope around your waist won’t hurt you when you’re done ziplining!), and they really do take their time – just use it wisely 🙂
My early 20’s were so joyful, I remember. I was elated, like a candle – you could easily elicit a spark out of me, and that spark lasted for what felt like eternity. I was blessed with friendships, love, ambition, and a career I loved. Little did I know that it was all ephemeral. Thinking back to those years, they feel like an elusive mistress that leads you on giving you that momentary fix of delight before slipping through your fingers like grains of sand. My mid-20’s were probably the most turbulent – they were filled with loss, pain, confusion, and decisions I conceive now to have been beyond my years. I also found joy, albeit paltry bursts like the juice of an orange that squirts on your face as you peel it.
ZOOM past those mid-20’s and we make a smashing landing into my late 20’s. We arrive to today. The past few years have been the highlight of my 20’s. I’ve made mistakes, ones I regret and wish I would have been smarter. Stay alert. Always stay true to yourself and once you deviate, listen to your conscience – always! I’ve kept all my friends who have been with me for years and seen me through my best and worst years: true backbones and support systems. Never forget to love your friends unconditionally – be there for them when they need you, be their confidant, build them up, and let them in when you need a shoulder to cry on. I’ve also made new friends from around the world who have become an inseparable sheath to my being. They’ve seen my flaws and still chose to take life’s ruddy path with me. Thank you to my friends, both old and new, who have stood by me and given me the most awesome decade yet! Stick around, the best is yet come 😉
Cherish your family. They will always be your rock even if your opinions clash. Thank you to my wonderful family, both small circle and extended larger circle – i love you !
Finally – nurture, love, and respect yourself. Always know your worth. Be kind to others at ALL times. Your 20’s may be a decade long but they are years you will always remember – live them well.
29 – Let’s do this!
Chaos of the Mind 