Day 3

Day 3: How did you become more of a grown-up this year? Or did you pull a Peter Pan and stubbornly remain childlike?

  Recently, a major relationship in my life came to a sort of end.  It was not an abrupt end, or a screeching halt, but more like when you untie two balloons from one another but they still float freely next to each other in the space they used to occupy together.  There was much turmoil in the latter portion of this two year relationship.  What started smoothly and happily when both of us lead similar lives, quickly unraveled when life goals and motivations differed.

  I am 24-years-old, having recently just celebrated this birthday.  99% of my friends are well settled into their careers, some married (or almost), some are homeowners, and some may even have children soon.  I still live in a college apartment complex and socialize with mainly undergraduates though I graduated from undergrad nearly 3 years ago.  Last year I was okay with my lifestyle, thinking that I had my whole life to be an adult.  I thought this lifestyle would keep me young and more laid back.

  However, in recent events (i.e. the ending of the referenced relationship), I also realized its quite alright to want to grow up.  Everyone has to at some point.  Every one leads their life differently, choses a different path, makes different decisions.  If someone's happy with this lifestyle, more power to them.  I'm confident that I am ready to move into the next stage of my life.  At 24, I typically enjoy activities without alcohol more than activities with alcohol.  I don't need a buzz to talk to new people anymore, and I can certainly go longer than a weekend (*gasp*) without having a sip of it.  I look forward to long saturdays of schoolwork, because I chose my degree since I love it.  I budget my money well (although there's not much of it) because I am always planning for my future, something I rarely did a few years ago.  I am seeking friendships with like-minded individuals who have moved past their undergraduate-state-of-mind, embraced their age and are willing to act accordingly with me.  I'm ready to encompass the word adult to the fullest degree- while still realizing that I can still be 24-years-old. After all, Disney movies are among my favorites, I like to put more rainbow sprinkles than ice-cream in the bowl, and cuddle up with several stuffed "friends" each night ;)