When I was 20, I was released from parental surveillance and provided with the freedom to experience the independent life. With that came new social and academic influences (good and bad) which were all contributing factors to who I am today.
The parties, the poor diet, the sleepless nights and stressful school deadlines were all inevitable events that taught us that perhaps this stage in life could not last forever.
In my 20s I lacked financial backing and relied on parental funding to take on fun ventures like spending spring break in Daytona. I distinctly remember being sandwiched between 3 larger individuals in the back of a regular sized car driving from Hamilton to Florida. Cost savings, yes. Would I do it again? No.
In my 20s, I had a CD player. Today, I have an Ipod Touch which allows me to not only play music, but watch movies!
In my 20s, I used a VCR. Today, I have a bluetooth player.
In my 20s, I felt there was a whole world out there ready to explore. Today, I feel the world is a quarter the size of what I used to think it was.
In my 20s, I didn't have a credit rating. Today, I can borrow money from the bank on my line of credit.
In my 20s, I was Canadian. Today, I am who I am.
In my 20s, I relied on cooking with pre made sauces. Today, I make my own sauces.
In my 20s, I was unhealthy. Today, I am trying to heal the damage I did to myself before and during my twenties.
In my 20s, I was a nothing in society. Today, I realize what it takes to play the game and what it takes to make me "something."
In reality, the 20s served as an introduction to adulthood that allowed us to explore part of the structured world that we had not seen prior to this stage in life. After the University years, we realized that with out monetary means, we were restricted to participating in most basic activities.
Some decided to establish the foundation early and bought their first house, got married, and settled.
Others pranced around from job to job and eventually found something they could be satisfied with.
Some simply did not find work at all and if they did, it was totally unrelated to what they went to school for.
What I realize at 30 is that there is no right or wrong way of evolving as a person. We will continue to be faced with new challenges regardless of how old we are. If we continue to fear the consequences of exploring and taking on new ventures, we will not expand as people.
You can look at society from the perspective that you have to follow the path already laid by others. Or you can look at your life and realize that the structure, which at times may seem overwhelming, can be molded the way you want.
As I approach my 30s, I am embracing new adventures to come. Some very valuable life lessons that I picked up in my 20s will allow me to take myself to the next level of achievement. Perhaps we will revisit this topic when I'm 40? :)
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