Truth Tuesday: Getting Older

My 22nd birthday is tomorrow, and I keep thinking, "Wow... 22." And then I panic a little bit, because when I was an eight years old, playing with my Barbie dream house, I remember planning out my entire life. I thought that by the time I was 22, I would be graduating from college, working my dream job, living with my fiancé and dog, and preparing to get married.

While I am preparing to graduate college next month, I have yet to determine what I'm doing post-college (yes, I'm starting to worry) and that's about it for the plans I made 14 years ago.

Getting older is really weird.

I've said for the past year that I love being 21, and I do! The past year has been a really great year for me, and 21 is a good age. I have seen posters that say, "Don't grow up. It's a trap" and that summed up my feelings. I used to say I didn't want to get older, but now I'm rethinking that.

Getting older has a lot of perks.

For example:

1. In one month, I will officially have a Bachelor's degree that I worked hard for, and I think that's pretty cool :)

2. People take you seriously! The older you get, the more people expect you to have your life together. While that is kind of freaky at first, it's also very exciting to have your thoughts listened to, and considered.

3. There is less drama in your life. Most likely, the people you are surrounding yourself with are the same age as you, and will not be acting immature.

4. You are starting the rest of your life. This are the times you've been dreaming of for as long as you can remember, and now you get to live it out; getting married, getting a house, finding your dream job, having kids... Exciting things are coming and they are starting now.

5. Experiences. Getting older means having all sorts of new experiences. Good or bad, they are teaching you something.

6. Your friendships are real. Moving on to a more serious time in your life means that your friendships are more serious, too; You can talk to your friends about all of the important things going on in your life, and they are not only understand, but support you as well.

7. You get to be yourself! Judgements don't worry you anymore, because you an adult, making the decisions that are best for your life.

8. My favorite thing about the next year of my life: I can sing Taylor Swift's 22 as loud as I want because it applies to my life. Thanks to my friend Megan for pointing this out :)

So, right now I'm loving getting older... but ask me again in 20 years if I still love it.