Turning 21
I recently celebrated my 21st birthday, and unlike other birthdays this one I had been feverishly anticipating in the months leading up. Turning 21 comes with the promise of adulthood and freedom, and the excitement of embarking on a new phase in life. I was lucky enough to have a wonderful celebration surrounded by friends and family, who made the day one to remember.
After the celebratio
ns and festivities were over however, the reality of being 21 began to take effect. With this added freedom also came many new responsibilities. For the first time I had to take full control of all aspects of my life. Although I have always been very independent, I hadn’t realised how much my parents did for me until I was doing it entirely myself. Things I had always taken for granted like health insurance and scheduling dental check-ups were suddenly all on my plate.
Luckily I am a naturally organised person and love checklists otherwise I am sure I would have missed an important health check-up or car service by now! Although it is new and uncharted territory being completely independent from my parents, it also feels like a natural progression which will allow me to grow and acquire new life skills. Challenges do not need to be a negative thing – they can force change and result positively on your life if approached with the right mindset.
This has certainly been a learning curve for me and I have no doubt this will not be the last challenge or hurdle that I encounter throughout my life. However, I believe that each time you face a new obstacle in life, you are better equipped to handle the next one.
My family’s constant support has made taking on these new responsibilities far more endurable and has sparked reflection on what an important part of my life they are. Not only have they supported me through this challenge and countless others, but they have undoubtedly made me the person I am today. I believe that any challenge can be endured no matter how big or small if you surround yourself with a support network of friends or family who will be there to help you along the way.