ADULTHOOD?

Hello world,

Birthdays can mean a lot of things. It can mean you being a year older or even the fact that you are still alive. For me, this year it means opening up of a lot of doors. I’m finally legal! 

Turning 18 felt like I was standing on the precipice of a new world, on the edge of a cliff ready to take on the world. It seemed as if looking down the cliff I could see the nostalgic memories of the past 17 years gleaming at me. The fresh gusts of wind blowing up on the cliffs making me aware of the intimidating, exhilarating and exciting path of adulthood that lies in front of me. 

As I step into this new phase of life, so many realizations hit me, all at once. I’m no longer a school going child, but now a college going adult. I’m no longer going to be living in the comfort of a home but living in my college hostel. I’m no longer going to be enveloped in the warmth of my parents and family but amidst 800 new people. I’m no longer going to be around for the crazy moments with my childhood friends, but I am going to be making dozens and dozens of new moments with new friends. I’m no longer going to be someone’s responsibility, but I am going to start taking my own responsibility. 

In a year my priorities, my mindset, my perspective of the world has completely changed. I can feel myself being a different person than what I was in some aspects. Not changing my core personality but I feel myself on the route to being a better human. As you enter adulthood, every day is a learning experience.

18 has taught me so much. It has taught me that in life people come and go. You can’t hold on to them, all you can hold on to are the memories they have left behind. It has taught me that our lives are defined by opportunities, even the ones we miss. It has taught me that at times people don’t even think about being in your feet before dropping their decisions onto you. 

I am truly blessed that I could spend this birthday with the people who mean the most to me, my family that doesn’t live back home and is not convenient for them to come visit me for my special day. It feels so wholesome celebrating my birthday with them. Truly this birthday feels complete. 

Finally, 18 is a reminder that I’ve come a long way but at the same time, there are still many bridges that I have to cross.

Cheers!