Isn't it crazy how you were just a teenager? Running around with your friends and not worrying about anything at all! You didn't have to worry about bills or taxes. You left that up to your parents. All you had to do was sit back and let life take you wherever it wanted to go. Now, you are at an age where you have to find the balance between fun and your foundation. What do I mean by that? Everything you learned from your home, will display when you reach adulthood.

It was a Saturday afternoon where my mother and I had a conversation in the car. My mother told me, "You are at a place in your life where you need to be stable." At first, I thought that I wasn't doing well in my studies, and I took that as offense. Yet, when I listened more to the conversation, I was a little disappointed. I wasn't disappointed in my mother, but I was disappointed in myself. Looking back at my life, I realized how dumb I was with my money. Till this day, I have a horrid spending habit. For instance, before my mother had the conversation with me, I brought the new Adidas and Ivy Park wear, before helping my parents with a bill. I would put myself before others with my money. When I got to this stage in my life, I didn't think I would be broke all the time. But, if I had a job, why should it be like this? That's when things had to change.

After the conversation, I decided to put my life in perspective. First, I would plan my day by looking at what had to be done first. For instance, on a Saturday morning, I would wake up, and do my morning routine. Next, I would start and finish my homework. After that, I would clean my bathroom, and lastly clean my room. As much as it seems like nothing, it started the foundation of what my parents taught me. If I wanted to explore the real world, and present myself, things like my routine is a start of presentation. I know that this sounds scary, but I was built for this.

I will say this, I AM NOT A GROWN WOMAN. A grown woman is someone who is firm in their work. A grown woman is someone who has the authority to say no to pleasing people. A grown woman is someone who is true to their selves. From being financially stable, to having independence, this is what a grown woman is. So trust me, I'm not there yet, but I will be. I will learn to be firm in my foundation. I will learn to balance. Growing with God, learning my purpose, and independence. God doesn't give me more than I can bear, so I got this!

To everyone who is reaching this stage of the beginning of adulthood, you're worth it! I'm not saying it's going to be easy, but I know it gets better. Remember this, for every day you wake up, you still have purpose. And I will share this with you, as someone shared this with me. "If someone tells you, you can't handle the storm, simply respond: I AM THE STORM!"