Being "young"

I've heard the phrase "youth is wasted on the young." As an early 20-something, I feel older than some but younger than most — especially since graduating from college. I feel like I climbed a ladder, felt old and mature, and then I was pushed into the real world where I am actually quite young. Being 22 is so strange. I have friends in graduate school, friends that are engaged, friends that are just starting jobs, and friends who just turned 21 and went to their first bar. It's such a weird crossroads to be in. I still get asked for a second form of ID and told I look like I'm 15, but I have insurance. Weird.

For a little while, I was intimidated by my apparent youngness. Being a fresh face, I feel like I have a lot to prove to the world. What I make of myself now will define how people see me for years to come, which, admittedly, can be scary. BUT I realized the root of this fear — the unknown. I don't know what will happen next, or how things will go down the road. I could see this big question mark as scary or I could look at it from a different angle. I realized that this is actually a world of opportunity.

I may not have made a name for myself just yet, but I've got a blank page to cover with notes and ideas. The fact that the future still lies ahead of me is absolutely exciting — there's so much I can do. If I'm as thrilled about this first stage of my adult life, I can't wait to see what's around the corner.

I don't think youth is wasted on the young, entirely. Obviously, people spend way too much of their youth hoping to be older. However, I think the trick to enjoying it when you're in it is seeing it not as a downfall to success but an open door for whats to come.