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My 20's Are For Me

What's a better way to find yourself, than with adventure?

Ashlyn Wing

Apr 03, 2017

Western Michigan University

"When are you going to settle down?"

"What are your plans for the future?"

"Where do you want to be five years from now?"

I dread these questions. Every. Single. Time. It isn't that I don't think these questions are important or that they should go unanswered, because in the grand scheme of things the answers to these questions will be what leads my life in the next direction. But, for right now, I am focused on what makes me happy- big, small, and everything in between. I think sometimes we become so focused on the future, that we forget to enjoy what is right in front of us.

It's easy to get caught up in the everyday tasks of life. Whether it's staying up to finish an assignment, spending an entire day studying for one exam, or simply going to and from work and school everyday. We become so wrapped up in the everyday notions of life, that we forget to actually live life. Our mindsets become nothing other than school, work, sleep, repeat. This in itself is draining. I'm not saying school or my job isn't my top priority, but I realize that I am important too, and these younger years are times that I will never be able to get back. I don't ever want to wake up feeling like I could have done more, or that life is passing me by. It is more than possible to get the good grades, and enjoy yourself as well...and with that being said, I will never apologize for doing everything and anything that makes me happy.

I'm a firm believer in the mindset of working hard and playing hard. Buying that plane ticket won't affect whether you land the job of your dreams five years from now. Buying that over-priced coffee will not determine whether you live in the house of your dreams. Dropping everything to go on that weekend road trip with your bestfriends won't stop you from graduating college. Sometimes you just need to do it. Sometimes those little moments where the world doesn't seem so serious are necessary. It's moments like these with people that matter that will make you realize what is worth it, and what is not.

Your 20's are your time to be selfish. You can't be the best version of yourself, if you haven't even figured out who you are yet. And what's a better way to do that than experiencing all life has to offer? I will always be the person who will drop everything for an adventure. I will always be the one down to go on a 3 am roadtrip just because you want out of the house. I will always be the one to buy the plane ticket just because you're tired of doing the same things everyday. I will always be the one to buy the coffee because it's been a long day, and I deserve it for making it through. Right now, I'm not worried about setting down. These things will come in time. So many people are in such a hurry to grow up, that they forget to enjoy the process of getting there.

While I don't have an answer to any of those dreaded questions about the future, I do have answers to what I plan on doing in the mean time ;)

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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.

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My 20's Are For Me

What's a better way to find yourself, than with adventure?

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The world is not always sunshine and rainbows, and you do not have to be, either.

It would be so much easier to just pay someone to do it for you

1. Figuring out when to start

2. Searching through list after list to get everything you need

3. Shopping for deals

4. Getting bins to put everything in

5. Figuring what you can’t live without

6. Going through clothes to find what you need

7. Finding out your siblings took something from you

8. Fighting with your parents.

9. Trying to plan things with your roommate

10. The fear of forgetting something

11. Move in day

Relatable moments from one of the best shows I have ever watched.

1. When you fail that midterm you studied so hard for.

2. When your crush finally texts back.

3. When payday comes around.

4. When you accidentally like someone's picture from 108 weeks ago.

5. When someone takes your unassigned assigned seat.

6. When your favorite character in your favorite TV series dies.

7. When that guy/girl you’ve been crushing on agrees to go on a date with you.

8. When you have so much to do, and such little motivation to do it.

9. When someone asks for your last fry.

10. When you try a new health-food craze.

11. When you get new clothing.

12. When you check your bank account.

13. When they're serving good food in the dining hall.

14. When someone tries to tell you what to do.

15. Or just your thoughts about life in general.

We all have that "I don't care" attitude.

1. Most students just take life day by day.

2. That means procrastinating, one day at a time.

3. College students don't mind dressing like crap sometimes.

4. In fact, dressing nice feels weird.

5. College students get so stressed that they contemplate dropping on a daily basis.

6. But most find another solution to deal with that stress.

7. And that solution can be pretty cheap. Anything over $5 is expensive.

8. One of the only things college students will spend money on is coffee.

9. College is just really expensive and you never forget how expensive it is.

10. But hey, we're getting a somewhat high-quality education, right?

11. We all really just want to pet dogs all day.

12. And eat pizza for every meal.

13. And stab the next person who asks us what we want to do with our life.

14. However, despite the stress and student loans, college is amazing and there's plenty of reasons to smile.

Thank you, April, for inspiring us with your wicked relatability.

Life is full of twists and turns, but you have to keep going.

1. Wallow.

2. Cry.

3. Get Angry.

4. Tell Someone You Love Them.

5. Forgive.

6. Let go of the negative people in your life.

7. Be yourself.

8. Swallow Your Pride.

9. Stop Freaking Out Over Your Body.

10. Say No.

11. Accept Love.

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