What they don’t tell you

I’m going to tell you what they don’t tell you about growing up (don’t mind the emo photos — but it felt as though it fit).

What they don’t tell you about growing up. 

We follow the steps, we check the boxes, we follow our dreams.

We approach the end of the structured life of “now four more years here, and then four more years there.” We are told that the world is at our feet, that we can do anything. We dream big and then we dream some more.

And then that part of our life is through. Then we are put into the world of possibility. The world where we can do anything. The world that we must navigate ourselves.

And it’s great, don’t get me wrong.

But here’s what they don’t tell you.

They don’t tell you that following your dreams takes time.

They don’t tell you that you are now in charge of tough decisions—decisions that could change the course of your whole life.

They don’t tell you that you will see people posting about their adventures around the world or in a new city, while you sit feeling sorry for yourself in your hometown.

They don’t tell you that you are now in charge, that it is harder than it sounds.

They don’t tell you that people will try to pull you in different directions, and that at the end of the day, you have to figure out what’s right for you.

They don’t tell you.

So, you figure this out on your own.

And if you’re lucky enough, you realize these truths sooner than later—so that you can enjoy the struggle, so that you can embrace the journey.

Because life is messy.

Life, in all honesty, is one big mess—a mess that you yourself and others make. A mess that is so beautifully chaotic, it’s actually pretty simple.

Life is pretty simple.

 

I dream big often, constantly want “different,” and strive for a passionate life.

And I (am learning to) love this about myself.

But if I had not learned these lessons, I would have gone crazy. For awhile, I did.

Dreams take time.

Every decision you make is the right one, for you, so embrace it with all your heart.

Every one takes different paths on their way to their hopes and dreams, and not one is better than the next.

You are in charge of your own life, but don’t forget your loved ones who support you.

You must always do what is right for you.

Wherever you are in your life, it’s exactly where you need to be. Embrace it, make choices, and then embrace those.

So you see, when you realize these things, life is actually pretty simple.

A trusted mentor recently said to me, “What’s the worst thing you could do? Fail? If you choose this and you do fail, the worst thing that happens is you learn a lot.”

You learn a lot.

What don’t they tell you about growing up? 

You will probably fail sometimes. But you see, you will learn a lot.

Emo thoughts.