Dear Friends:
I’m 26-years-old. In November I’m going to be 27. Normally, I stay mum about my age. I usually allow people to guess my digits (and they usually guess anywhere from 16-20) because of past insecurities.
I always thought when I reached a certain age I’d have this magical life of: financial stability, world wide fame, and a wife and 2.5 kids (okay, two out of three ain’t bad. That last one damn sure ain’t feasible in my case). However, I’m a full-time student, with a part time job, and a few years ago I had to move back home…Eep!
At age ten I used to think 18 was old. Now, I am 26 and I sure as hell don’t feel old. As a matter of fact I feel so much younger. In a way I feel like I did coming out of highschool almost ten years ago. Sometimes I feel like I’m having my second coming of age (guess it’s because I didn’t really go through the first one).
I guess I became ashamed of my age because I compared my progress to everyone else’s. My girl Beyonce is a year older than me and she’s an international superstar. Hell, even she’s a slacker compared to Michael Jackson. I used to think your age determined where you are supposed to be in life. Then I realized that life decides otherwise…
My belief now is that we all are where we’re supposed to be. I look at every stage of life as a learning module. You can’t advance to the next stage until you complete the one you’re working on. Everytime I tried to advance to another phase (e.g. dropping out of school and trying to get a regular job) I always stalled. Even though I’m agnostic sometimes I get the feeling something is trying to tell me something. So, I’ve learned that there is nothing wrong with blossoming later in the spring. Every individual is unique and everybody is not quite ready to move ahead at the sametime as the rest of the class…
I’m pretty thankful that life did kind of hold me back a little. I look back on myself at age 18 and came to the realization that the real world would have devoured me.
Anyway, I am so proud of the accomplishments that I have achieved thus far! It’s not like I’ve been sitting on my hands. I’ve been dotting my “I’s” and crossing my “T’s.”
So, screw not telling my age. I am just glad to still be here.
Cheers!
Toddy English.
Toddy, You are now maturing. You are a slow bloomer. I had these same thoughts when I was 25 years old. I was determine to have my own home by the time I was 30. I did it. But you are the New Generation and I guess it is not like it was when I was your age. But man, you are on your way to getting where you wish to be. First principle,…you have acknowledge your pass and where you wish to be in the future. I am proud of you young man. Keep keeping on. You are next in line for your blessings.
Comment by THADDEUS — July 20, 2009 @ 12:26 am |
Thaddeus thank you for those wonderful words of encouragement! What a wonderful thing to read on a Monday morning. Thank you sweetness! =0)
Comment by toddyenglish — July 20, 2009 @ 1:44 pm |
“I am just glad to still be here”
That’s always the only thing that matters.
Any fantastic plans for the 2-7?
Comment by J. Clarence — July 20, 2009 @ 2:20 am |
Hey J Clarence! I’m actually planning a staycation (vacation in my state). I’ll be completing my degree the same month as my B-day. So it will be my gift to me. lol.
Comment by toddyenglish — July 20, 2009 @ 1:46 pm |