They say that as you grow older, you start reverting back into your childhood self. Not having a great memory, pooping and/or peeing your pants, being irritable…all traits of an infant AND an eighty-year old. What I didn’t realize is that as a twentysomething, I would be relearning so many childhood lessons.
The themes I’ve been writing about in my blog are simple. They aren’t revolutionary by any means. But especially this week, I’m seeing that they are all lessons from our childhood that maybe I forgot about, or chose to ignore, or didn’t understand until now. Play well with others, the grass isn’t always greener on the other side, never give up, etc.
This week, after talking with a good friend, I realized that everything needs to be in moderation, even (and especially) as a twentysomething. As an example, please view this brief timeline of my twentysomething life:
College years: AMAZING. Extremely busy, never a moment to myself but loving it, always involved, always doing something, constantly meeting with friends, working on something, or going somewhere.
Post-college years: Not the best. I like my post-college years, but I don’t love them. Most of my time after work consists of sitting in Spot Coffee or in my apartment, alone, writing or reading. Slow-paced, not my pace. Not nearly as fun or exciting. Quickly gaining Grandpa Status.
Okay, but here’s the best part. I would say over the past month or so, I’ve been reaching out to different people, finding new opportunities to get involved with, and really honing in on my passions, interests, and skills. Am I running around like a chicken with my head cut off like I was during college? Absolutely not, thank goodness (those years were amazing, but damn was I exhausted).
But finally, after taking the initiative to do so, I finally feel as if I am living a balanced life. One of moderation. And as the saying goes, everything in moderation, right?
Just speaking to my own experience, I have joined a gym and started eating healthier. And I feel really great about it. I took a risk and reached out to an LGBT magazine to ask about writing an article for them, and now I’m going to have a monthly online column! I purchased a bike, which is getting me in-tune with the areas around me, including some beautiful parks and waterfalls. And I’ve started working again at Starbucks, which reminded me of the love I have for customer service and interacting with people.
Things are looking up.
But speaking outside of moderation, I have had one “busy” week this week, relatively speaking. Every night I had something planned! And I feel like for the average twentysomething, and especially me, I wasn’t used to it. And when I say planned, I mean organized event with at least one other person, as opposed to my own plans of going to sit at Starbucks.
Don’t get me wrong—I loved being busy! It was great to talk to so many old friends, spend time with new friends, and even meet some new people! Everything I’ve been talking about wanting to do, it happened this week.
But I also really did miss my Spot Coffee writing/reading time. I didn’t love having to get up at five in the morning to go to the gym to try and fit everything in. I also didn’t love having to eat whatever food was around or available while I was out, because I strayed from my “routine” and from my healthy eating plan. But that’s neither here nor there.
The point is—moderation. Maybe plan two or three nights of fun, organized events. That way, I’m still involved and still busier than sitting by myself, while also having the time to do the introverted things that I love.
So friends, as I’m sure we’ve all heard before, moderation is key. But I wanted to write a little reminder, because there will always be twentysomethings and twentysomething things to do…in moderation.
twentysomethingmonths 