Sophie Johnston
Aug 27, 2017 · 3 min read

Weird Years

“You’re only young”, I definitely feel as though people tell you that until you’re around 25 years old and then immediately we are expected to have a great job, be in a stable relationship and have your own place… all the while still enjoying yourself and not becoming a miserable big bit of jelly.

The ages between 20 and 25 are misty, to say the least. There’s a lot of learning, messing up, breaking up, making up, dropping out, falling in and out. Basically back and forths are essentially guaranteed in every new thing you do. There seemingly arent any real rules, (well, I mean don’t kill anyone and try not to be a hugely horrible human being to other human beings if at all possible) but if you’re lucky, you’ll probably get to your 30s knowing a lot more about yourself.

Id liken it to feeling a bit like a drunk Tarzan. This, slightly odd Ill admit, metaphor works because both you and drunk Tarzan are floating through a fairly confusing and messy surrounding grabbing hold as best you can of stuff that keeps you moving and afloat, often you don’t catch things and sometimes you do and that’s likely what is going to mould your character. That’s a favourite of mummy Johnston’s: “It’s all character building”. Yeah mum it’s also a shit-storm of highs and lows that there are no way of avoiding unless you’re literally a royal corgi. Terrible bosses, messed up boyfriends or girlfriends (hey, whatever you’re into), weird and awkward social gatherings, incredible nights out and woeful nights out. Binge watching Sons of Anarchy because it makes your little life feel a lot more cushy and definitely less illegal.

I think regardless of what goes on around you- as long as you’re really honestly taking it all in and you’re present for it there’s nothing you can’t get through and learn something from. Whether that’s just about how you actually cannot in any way, shape or form be bothered standing in a posey club when you could be in a smelly bar having ‘the craic’ with friends or family instead, or maybe you just find out customer service is really, really, really not for you. (Can sane people actually enjoy retail?) Be present for it, even if it’s just to watch it pass by.

If that happens to be a person or opportunity in your life, Ill go back to my granda Billy’s very own: “What’s for you won’t pass you by.” And hey, if you’re 21 and haven’t a notion what’s going on in your life but you’re okay with that as long as there’s some beer and laughs along the way that’s okay too. Probably. Just don’t leave it so long that you’re the guy chasing the party in your late twenties when everyone else is catching a grip of themselves. (Another firm favourite aggressive phrase of mine. -Side note- please do not actually grip yourself. It’s just a figure of speech. That would be gross.)

Enjoy the weird years, they’ll probably get a lot more adult-ier soon, then you’ll be wishing you were a loser 21 year old all over again.

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Sophie Johnston

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I'm Sophie, and this is my blog. It's honest, freely written & focus shifts from topic to topic. I hope you enjoy reading my stuff, because I love writing it 🤓

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