Growin’ up is so hard
Gotta do it, gotta start
Growin’ up sometimes hurts
Gotta do it, gotta get to work
In August 2018, I turned 30. T-H-I-R-T-Y! I had a beautiful weekend with amazing friends who literally came together from multiple states and different countries to pull off a day of surprises. These gems even organized a photo shoot! I was so excited and thrilled to see love poured out in a special way. Friends, if you’re reading this, you’re stuck with me!
Fast forward to a week or so into being 30…heeellooooo depression! Up until my 30th birthday, aging was never a big deal for me. I’ve always viewed aging as a badge of honor. Every birthday is like a nod from God saying, “this human is still needed on the planet. I have to keep them around.” So, I always welcome the reset that comes with the marking of another year of life. However, 30 was NOT that!
2018 was a hell of a year and after my birthday I just knew that I did not have my shit together. What I thought I had a little bit of a handle on had all but slipped completely away. I was flat broke, severely out of shape, mentally and emotionally fragile, and still outwardly just laughing things away. On top of all that, I was going on month eight of unemployment. I was a mess!
The thing about growing up is it’s hard! Aging happens naturally but growing up is intentional. It requires focus and continual self evaluation. In my 20’s I committed to growing in my faith, getting my education, and just having a blast while securing my future. HA! I wouldn’t change a thing except for my expectation of having every piece of my life set.
Year 31 is just around the corner and I’m on the up-and-up. No longer unemployed but still struggling financially…meh, baby steps. I’m losing weight and taking much better care of my body. Still educating myself and still laughing through my struggles. Folks, this is life – the waxing and waning of highs and lows.
PJ Morton’s deep cut, “Growing Up” sums it up perfectly:
Growin’ up is so hard
Gotta do it, gotta start
Growin’ up sometimes hurts
Gotta do it, gotta get to work