The title here is a little bit of a misnomer. I didn’t decide that, I’m sure it was Oprah or someone that gets the credit, I just bought into it. Jay-Z also wrote a song about it, 30 Something (“30’s the new 20, I’m so hot still…”). In any case, this is all inspired by A’s 23rd birthday today. HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
Birthdays always get you to thinking about the time that has passed and, of course, the future. It provokes a little bit of self-reflection. Today made me realize that I am just as close to 30 as I am to 18 – that’s how old I was when I got my student ID picture taken and I still carry that card. Spooky. That means that 30 pretty much just rang the doorbell. For anyone who is closer to 30, already 30 or *gasp* over 30, I know you’re thinking it’s silly, but there’s nothing wrong with a little constructive introspection at 24.
I thought this year that I’d be bummed and experience this whole quarter-life crisis that you always hear about (thank you, John Mayer for reiterating). Instead, I’ve tried to embrace it. I’ve found this new confidence in who I am and who I want to be. I don’t know if I was afraid before or what, but I’ve developed a take-me-as-I-am-or-leave-me-the-hell-alone attitude. It’s all made me realize that you have to be your own biggest fan. When I was younger I think I relied on my friends and family for that too much. I undoubtedly need their support and love them all for loving me the way they do, but you have to balance this with a healthy amount of love for yourself. I think it was Lewis Grizzard who once said, “I may not be much, but I’m all I’ve got.” Note: this doesn’t mean arrogance – some people certainly take it too far.
I heard Maya Angelou speak earlier this year to a crowd of mostly college-aged folks, and all she kept talking about was finding yourself and how important it is. I thought, “I better listen to what she has to say, she’s Maya-effing-Angelou”. I think that weighs heavy on you in college, or at least, it did me. It’s this whole phenomenon of leaving home and “spreading your wings”, but I think, like a lot of things, it doesn’t come to you until you stop searching for it.
I guess all I want to say to my friends and whoever might read this is: have the courage to be yourself and things will fall into place. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes, just be sure to learn from them. Give love and gracefully receive love. I’m still certainly learning as I go, but now more than ever, I’m looking forward to the journey. Okay, that’s enough cheese for now.
“I love to see a young girl go out and grab the world by the lapels. Life's a bitch. You've got to go out and kick ass.” –Maya Angelou-
Posts
