Is Adulting a Trap?

Leonard Santiago in Tips and Advices

Jul 19, 2022 • 3 min Read

When we were young, we used to admire adult people on how they handled their lives. We see them enjoy their freedom, spend money on things they like, and never get scolded whenever they arrive home late. In the back of our minds, we say, “I just can’t wait to be an adult,” and this idea is tolerated by our parents’ words of wisdom, “When you grow old, and you have money to spend for yourself, everything will work your way!” 

As we entered adulthood, we began to feel that the perfect idea is far from what we created in our minds. Millennials would say, “Adulting hits hard”. Aside from being a vapor-rub dependent, Taylor Swift’s song accurately described this, “We’re happy, confused, and lonely at the same time, it’s miserable and magical.”

Is adulthood a trap after all? It taught us valuable lessons that are keeping our games afloat, and these are:

1. The value of a relationship

As we age, the circle of people surrounding us is getting smaller. We become smarter in choosing the people whom we interact with. We learned to choose quality over quantity. We also get a partner that not only makes us feel that we belong but also someone that doesn’t let us feel alone in their presence. 

2. Everything is in the power of our mindset. 

In our young adulthood, we are filled with limitless beliefs from the opinions of the people that surround us, family, and fake friends. If we only focus on what matters most, we can achieve what we truly desire. 

3. We have our timelines

Maybe you’re in your 25, 30’s, or ’40s – some of your friends are getting married, raising children, buying their first house, got a thriving business, or you’re someone who’s figuring out which is the best career path for you.

Adulthood is about taking one step at a time. Our timelines are not the same, we are not in a race on who comes first wins. We are like flowers that bloom in our season. 

4. Adulthood is a lifelong learning journey

If a child is looking at you right now, surely that child is admiring how you put your life together. Lifelong learnings are the experiences and knowledge we acquired that help us live our lives competently. We admired the adults before for seeing their continuous effort to stay ahead of the game of life. 

5. No matter how old you are, you will always have that child version of you in your heart

Adulting is magical, we are like children who are having fun and living the best of our lives. This time, no one will tell us the right way to learn a subject matter, we choose which one is necessary for our goals. 

We get to enjoy our freedom responsibly and play real-life adventures that we used to imagine in our childhood years! 

Is adulthood a trap after all? Life is a one-time offer, live it well. Keep making new chapters, laugh more, and be in the moment. Age gracefully with your purpose.