Moving Forward

What does it mean to be an adult? The word often calls up the terms "responsibility" and "settling down." I think of bills, down payments, picket fences and office jobs. As I find myself transitioning from my college years towards (gulp) my later 20's, I struggle with the idea of becoming an adult. I don't necessarily fear getting older, at least not yet, but I guess I don't value the conventional path. Still I want to be careful not to diminish the traditions of my culture just for the sake of it. I guess I want to find my own way, mixing old with new, but as I move forward, I want to examine my path.

I feel pressure to choose a career, buy a house, and have children. I don't know where this pressure comes from. I often think it is self established, but I also like to throw blame towards my own culture and surroundings. Then I think about how many refugees have asked me, "Why haven't you had children yet?" Nope, I doubt it is cultural. Security, family, and hard work are things to be esteemed, but not at the sacrifice of trust, calling or lack of ideals. I want to live wide-eyed, aware of all the possibilities before me. I want to have the courage to take a different path. To think about the small everyday choices that I make and how they impact me, others and the world. I don't think this lifestyle has to be radical just contemplative. Change may come slowly and inwardly.

So I plan to shake off the stereotypes of adulthood. And see how it goes moving forward with openness and flexibility.