22

Lauren Kurtz
Jul 22, 2017 · 3 min read

Remember when we were kids and dreamt about becoming a “grown up”? We thought that adults were responsible, of course, but had the freedom to do whatever they wanted and be whoever they wanted. The grown ups had it all figured out.

Looking back, the “age of grown up” in my mind was 22. As a kid, I remember thinking that by 22 I would have have it all together. Well, here I am: 22; nearing 23, in fact, and I have yet to pull it together in the way that seemed so picturesque to adolescent me.

Don’t get me wrong, I’ve done a lot in my 22 years, things I’m certain some may envy. However, I’ve come to the realization that 22 is not what I thought it would be.

I have yet to travel the world, or even abroad, for that matter. My apartment does not look like it was hand curated by Joanna Gaines. My kitchen skills leave much to be desired. And I didn’t land the “dream job” the second I graduated from college; something which continues to send my anxiety sky rocketing.

I’m a complete perfectionist and it is absolutely, 100% my downfall. For the last year or so, I’ve beaten myself up about not being where I think I should. For not becoming my dream version of 22 and falling short of my own lofty, somewhat unrealistic expectations.

I’m a learner. I read news and opinion articles all day. I engulf myself in lengthy posts about history and social issues. Heck, I scroll through the comment sections of people I don’t even know (why am I like this?). Recently, I came across a quote that stopped me in my tracks. Perhaps it may not seem as revolutionary to someone else, but it hit me just the right way at just the right moment. It said something along the lines of, “at the end of their life, nobody says they wished they would have worked more”.

And that’s when it hit me: I literally just finished a period of 18 years as a full time student. The next 40 years are going to be spent as a full time worker. The year 22 is just what I need in the midst of life’s hecticness. I am exactly where I’m supposed to be.

The year 22 is made for becoming immersed in the culture around you, be that near or abroad. It’s for creating memories, not things. 22 is the perfect year to try new recipes, new restaurants and learn new life lessons. And 22 is the year to work a bit, save a little, spend a tad and never take a moment for granted.

This season of life is different for everyone. Some jump in head first, while others feel the pressure of expectations weighing on their shoulders. It’s a tricky time, but I’m resting in the thought that 22 is the year of the dreamer — and that’s exactly how I intend to finish it off.

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