Hey guys! It’s me again, Emmie, and welcome (or welcome back!) to Ask Emmie! I’m so happy you’re here. Today, I am really excited to talk about something we all experience, but isn’t really talked about enough: change, growing up, and how uncomfortable it can be at times. This post is called: “Growing up is weird. Let’s talk about it!” So wherever you are, grab a snack, get comfy, and let’s get into it.
Have you ever had that moment where you just stop for a second to look at what’s in front of you, and suddenly everything is just…changing? One day you’re watching your favorite cartoon, and your only problem is your mom won’t let you eat ice cream before dinner, and the next day you’re questioning your entire existence because you’ve been left on now delivered for four hours. Four hours, seventeen minutes, and forty-six seconds to be exact. But hey, who’s counting? That’s growing up. It’s confusing, exciting, aggravating, and beautiful all at the same time. But nobody really mentions how uncomfortable growing up can feel.
One of the strangest parts about growing up is realizing that you’re changing. Not just on the outside, but on the inside too. Your opinions, interests, beliefs, style, friendships; all of it is changing. And during this time, you may feel like you’re losing parts of yourself, or losing yourself as a whole. But you’re not losing yourself: you’re evolving. Don’t feel discouraged if you start to let go of old toys, hobbies, or friendships that might not feel right anymore. It’s okay.
You’re beginning to make space for things that match who you are becoming. But that’s the beauty of it all: you are not who you once were.
If ever you feel that you are completely alone in this stage of uncomfortableness, and it seems everyone else has everything together, I’m here to tell you the reality of it all: they don’t have it all together. Not even close. Most people (yes, even adults) are figuring things out as they go. Remember, it’s everyone’s first time living too. Growing up doesn’t mean knowing the answers to everything, sometimes it means getting to ask better questions. So if you’re feeling discouraged, or just sad, take a breath! You’re doing your best, and even if you don’t think so, you’re doing better than you think you are.
To be completely transparent: change is scary, and it’s totally okay to feel scared of the future. I know I am. I am terrified of the future to be honest. And even though change means leaving behind the familiar–which can be scary–it also allows you to grow into someone that is more you.
Growing up is, unfortunately, just a part of life. It is inevitable, but it is beneficial in the long run.