Happy April, y’all! Before we jump into the new month, I’m going to recap my last:

March means the first day of spring, St. Paddy’s Day, and… my birthday!

Even though I am considered a legal adult (e.g. I filled out my own freakin’ taxes!), I still feel miles behind compared to older adults (like my parents). Upon reflection, I realized that I’m basically just a 5-year-old adult, considering I’ve only been an adult for five years. When I explain it like that, my feelings about being 23 make a lot more sense.

In my developmental psychology class, we have been progressing through life transitions, starting with infancy and currently learning about adolescence. Adolescence is the time between childhood and adulthood. Many psychologists debate the start of adolescence due to events that vary by individual, like puberty. In general, adolescence is between the start of puberty and age 25. Psychologists specify that between ages 18 and 25, we are in “emerging adulthood.” Not quite adolescents, not quite adults. And that’s exactly where I find myself.

The transition to living on my own (outside of a college dorm) has not been easy…

I miss my family.

I struggle to juggle household chores and school responsibilities.

Taxes are confusing.

Healthy groceries are expensive.

All my friends are in different areas of life, and we’re all just trying to figure it out.

When I remind myself that I’m essentially a 5-year-old adult, I give myself the grace necessary to stay motivated and positive. I’ll get better with age and practice. There’s no pressure for me to get it perfect now. The only expectations are to work hard and be patient in my growth. So maybe by the time I turn 6, I’ll be a little better at adulting.

xoxo,

k.c.

photo creds: Pinterest & Canva