Hand Me the Clearasil… I’m Feeling Middle School Awkward January 26, 2012
In the middle of a conversation with a friend recently I had an epiphany… being in my early 30s is the most awkward I’ve felt since middle school.
Now, I had a fine middle school experience. There was that one time when I said something I shouldn’t have and several girls wanted to beat me up. But other than that it was pretty uneventful. I had a steady stream of boyfriends but I was incredibly afraid to kiss any of them so I spent as much time “going with someone” as I did “not going with someone”. I had friends but I wasn’t quite sure where I fit with them. I quietly sat at the popular table hoping I didn’t get the boot.
I lived life pretty day-to-day and undefined. Today, I live life pretty defined but man, I find myself taking more and more of life day-to-day.
Think about it my fellow 30ish year olds… our bodies aren’t doing the same things they did before (ahem, when did sugar go straight to my hips?). We’re no longer the eager new kids in our jobs but we’re not senior management either. We may be in different relationship places but we all seem to be defined by these relationship places regardless of what they are.
We’re just sorta in the middle… And I don’t know about you, I’m not quite sure where I fit these days.
Maybe this isn’t you. Maybe you’ve never uttered: Gosh, I didn’t see this place as where I’d be at this age. Maybe you’re super solid in where you are in life and what your next steps are. If that’s what you’re thinking then good for you; please comment on this post and tell me how you’re 30ish and have life all figured out. I’d love to know.
But, if you have ever questioned your current stage in life based on what you thought it’d be then take heart, you aren’t alone! And, I’d venture to say you’re in the best place to start moving into some of the greatest experiences. Most of us have meandered our way through the uncomfortable shift from college to “real world”. We’ve got our own place to live and maybe even managed to not kill our plants, animals, or kids (and thinking you’re only 10ish years separated from your college self… that. is. HUGE!). We pay most of our bills on time and manage to save bits and pieces as well. We can cook at least one thing from scratch.
We. Are. Adults. Here us roar!
Yes, we’re awkward adults that don’t quite fit in anywhere. Yes, we have acne and wrinkles (so annoying). But, we’ve done so much of the hard work of getting established. I, for one, am thrilled to rest a little in my established self.
So, my fellow 30ish crew, let’s take heart that though we didn’t see ourselves here, it’s a pretty darn great place to be. We’re starting to lay down roots and be comfortable in our own skin. Even if that skin does seem to get a little less elastic as every day passes…
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