I'm 22. I'm not supposed to know what I want in life, or be too serious about anything right now. I'm supposed to dream about all the places I want to travel, the stuff I want to have, and not think past the weekend. I guess that is what I'm supposed to do. Actually, I have no idea what a normal 22 year old is supposed to think and dream and want. All I've been told is that I'm not normal.
Which to me, is fine. I'll never be normal and I'll always be odd. Yet when people acknowledge this strange maturity, they also think that at some point, I will start acting like I'm 22. To this I say: will I? Do you want me to start "acting my age"? I don't get it. I am how I am. I can't be something else. Even if that something else is what I'm supposed to be.
The number "22" has literally been coming up in conversation recently, and how us 22 year old's don't really know what we're doing. It's an amalgam that is flighty and unreliable and immature.
I get that there are people so much wiser than I am. I love listening and learning from leaders both older than me and with much more experience. I don't have what they have and can't do what they do, and that is okay.
I guess, ultimately, it doesn't matter what people think a "typical" 22 year old should be stereotyped as or not. Sometimes I just wish my age didn't matter to people so much.
One question: If 22 is not when you "get it" - when is? What's that magical age that you all of the sudden become mature, grounded and solid? Is there one?
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5 comments:
You were born 22 ;o)
Naw. You were never flighty or unreliable.
Old soul, really.
love you just the way you are...
Ack! I just turned "42" and a few things have finally clicked! I guess it differs for lots of people. Just be thankful that you're moving in the right direction. :)
IMO, maturity is recognizing wisdom in each life experience and applying it to the next. We'll get wisdom until we die.
I was very mature at 22 and I have found that as I continue to grow and experience life I always look back at my younger self and laugh at how much I didn't know that I didn't know. Not a scornful laugh, mind you, just a gracious humbling and recognition that I will never "get it" this side of Heaven.
Age matters much less than maturity. And you, in recognizing that wisdom grows with age, are well ahead of the curve.
Rejoice in your "strangeness." It is a good reminder and reflection that you are not of this world. And, surely, "normal" for 22 year olds in America today is a tortured and foolish place of making mistakes that impact them for a lifetime. "Normal" is not something to which any of us should aspire.
Blessings on you!
Thank you for the - not trying to be ironic - wise words. Hearing from those well ahead of me in wisdom through, I'm sure, many painful and hard life situations helps keep everything in perspective.
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