Have you ever said to yourself, why did I ever rush to get here? And by here I mean adulthood. When we’re young, being “grown” seems like the ultimate goal—a magical land where freedom reigns, and all your dreams come true. But now that I’ve made it here, I’ve got some advice for my younger self. Here are 10 things I’d say to the younger me who couldn’t wait to grow up and the younger generation currently saying, “I can’t wait until…”
1. Adulthood Isn’t Just Freedom—It’s Responsibility
Yes, you’ll get to make your own choices, but every decision comes with consequences. From managing time to choosing a partner, freedom is a package deal with responsibility. And who knew that bills would be relentless? Rent/mortgage, utilities, insurance, car maintenance—they all come due, and they don’t pause just because you’re having a bad month. Budgeting isn’t optional; it’s survival.
2. Enjoy the Time You Have Now
Those endless summer breaks and lazy weekends? You’ll miss them. Once you start working, time off feels rare, so cherish the carefree days while you can. When you’re young, time feels endless. As an adult, weeks blur into months, and years rush by. Make time for the things that truly matter because they will disappear faster than you realize. All good things do come to an end.
3. It’s Okay Not to Have Everything Figured Out
No matter how much planning you do, life often has its own agenda. Feeling lost or unsure about your career, relationships, or goals is more common than you’d think. The key is learning to embrace the journey instead of obsessing over the destination.
4. Cherish Your Friendships
Friends change as life gets busy, but childhood bonds are special. Make memories, share laughs, and enjoy the moments when you can spend hours together without worrying about schedules. As you age, your childhood friends won’t always be a text away. Careers, families, and distance create barriers, so maintaining meaningful friendships requires effort, scheduling, and lots of understanding.
5. Your Body Will Thank You for Taking Care of It Now
At some point, your body will send you “maintenance required” alerts. Gone are the days when you could survive on junk food and bounce back after a late night. Your body demands attention—regular exercise, balanced meals, rest, and yes, those annual checkups. Start healthy habits early—your future self will thank you.
6. Success Doesn’t Equal Happiness
Reaching milestones—whether it’s a promotion or buying a house—won’t automatically make you happy. Neither will chasing wealth. True joy often lies in the little things: meaningful relationships, personal growth, and moments of peace.
7. Comparison Is the Thief of Joy
Social media and societal expectations can make you feel like you’re behind in life. Remember, everyone’s journey is unique, and the timeline isn’t the same for everyone. Your journey is uniquely yours so BE GRATEFUL for each chapter in your beautiful story that God has written.
8. Growth Never Stops…You Will Never “Arrive”
I hate to break it to you, but learning will continue past your formal education. In fact, adulting requires constant discovery—whether it’s professional skills, relationship dynamics, or how to how to navigate a new phase of life. The most important thing you will learn is yourself—your likes and dislikes, what healthy boundaries you need to set with others, and how to be unapologetically you while evolving into the best version of yourself.
9. Failure Is Part of Growth
Adulthood comes with setbacks, and that’s okay. Failing doesn’t mean you’re a failure; it means you’re learning. Be kind to yourself and keep moving forward.
10. Adulthood Will Come Soon Enough—Savor the Now
You’ll be an adult for the majority of your life, so why rush it? Appreciate the simplicity of where you are now. Play, dream, and embrace the freedom to just be.
Adulthood isn’t a destination; it’s an ongoing process of growth, resilience, and discovery. While it can be overwhelming at times, it’s also filled with moments that make the journey worthwhile.
Dear younger me, adulthood has its perks, but so does being young. The future will be here soon enough—don’t forget to live and find joy in each moment you have NOW.
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Golden Life Musings 