On Turning 25

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So I just turned 25 last month. When I was younger, I've been hearing from other people who have reached my age now that they’re going through a quarter-life crisis. At the time I don’t know what that is. All I saw is that people are in pain. They are pressured to becoming someone who they are not yet given their age. So when my turn to become 25 finally came, my thoughts flew back into the days when I witnessed people who went through a quarter-life crisis. And I wonder, will I experience that myself? Will I also be pressured about not becoming someone other people will look up to?

However, during my birthday, I didn't notice any difference at all. Except that I received birthday greetings and well wishes everywhere. I was happy for sure. Reading messages from the people who mattered most to me, and seeing how they teased me with their greetings was a day maker. But other than that it’s completely another typical day that will surely pass. And it did.

It’s October now. A month has passed since I turned 25. However, my thoughts and emotions didn't change a bit. Indeed, it was exactly the same as before. I didn't experience any nervous breakdown because I’m not as wealthy as Steve Jobs when he was my age nor am I depressed because I am not as famous as Taylor Swift. In fact, I don’t feel like 25 at all. Or 24, 23, or even 12 for that matter. I am who I am now. My age doesn't play an issue about being me. It’s just a number and for as long as I don’t feel any health issues that come with an old age, I don’t think my age will affect how I think about myself.

Each of us, I believe, has his own time in realizing our real purpose in life. So depending on how quick or slow were you able to find yours will you be able to work on it, thus achieve it. There are people who found success at the senile age of 66 like Colonel Sanders while there are others who have built great empires at their tender age like Steve Jobs and Mark Zuckerberg. But hell if it matters. Just get on your track and keep working on what you believe is your purpose of being. Surely, you’ll struck your luck and nail down your dream in time. But if not, who cares, anyway as the saying goes, success is a journey, not a destination. 

Dear 20-Something Me

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You seem to be lost. What have you been doing with your life? Trying to figure out what you really wanted to do. Have you found it already? I hope so, because if not, you’ll just be a fag hag walking through a course of life not knowing where to go. That would be a very unlikely situation that you do want to miss, right? So you better decide now. And grab a firm hold on it, once you find it.

I know. I know. You’re sleep deprived, but I’m telling you, most of the people your age suffer the same, so I don’t think you’re in the position to complain. Now is the time you make the most of your waking life so enjoy it while it lasts. However, don’t forget to take care of yourself while you’re having fun. Try to get some sleep. And avoid all unnecessary errands or gimmicks, especially during weekdays and Sunday nights. Don’t rely on coffee the next day just to be awake because you’re getting acidic already. Watch your health; you’ll thank me later for telling you now.

I can see that you’re happy with where you are now. That’s good news. Just please don’t change your mind again a few months after because you think you want another career path. Hang in there a little while and think a million times of your next plan before scheming to a new venture. You’re not getting any younger, so you might want to take life seriously.  

I’m expecting you’re going to argue that life is a playing field and that you may commit as many mistakes as possible, but you have to slow down a bit. Thinking that you’ll regret in your later life all the things that you didn't do now is a dangerous frame of mind. Some people say it’s healthy, yes; however, you need to understand the line between what you can do to affirm that you are living your life to the fullest and seeing life in a mature perspective.

Ok, I’ll stop nagging because, I’m sure, you’re rolling your eyes by now. Let me commend you from here. I’m happy that you’re happy. However stubborn you are, I know that you only did what you do to satiate and to mum the inner voice within you. I see nothing bad about that. Anyway, it’s your life. Who cares if you fail?  Not me, I’m confident that you’ll stand up again if ever you stumble, as you always do. Nor will you blame anyone if you fall because you know that you are your own child and that whatever happened to you, it’s on you.

You've had your share of pain and happiness. You got hurt. You fought. And let go when you need to. You find happiness on your own. And pursue your dreams. It requires a strong will to be able to come out as a whole despite what you've been through.

Always remember to believe in you. No matter what happens, don’t let yourself down. People will. Expect that. But don’t get tired of you. Just harvest all the wisdom along the way. And leave the pain that might make you bitter and lose your enthusiasm about life. As you've said, life is your playing field, so enjoy it!