Sometimes when I’m down I feel compelled to make a list of all the things I’m grateful for. The list is usually quite serious and introspective — filled with thing like “my family” and “having a safe home”. But today I would like to express my gratitude for something far simpler — not being a teenager anymore.
All it took was a gaggle of adolescents getting on the subway next to me to make me realize how grateful I am to be done with that part of my life. Normally when I see a group of teenagers yelling across a streetcar or smoking on the corner of school grounds I roll my eyes and struggle to suppress my irritation. But something about this particular lead me to a revelation of how happy I am not to be in that age bracket anymore. Clawing for attention, desperate to understand who they are, wishing they felt they fit in, questioning each and every decision they make because the whole notion of “just be yourself” makes absolutely no logical sense, feeling they have to buy this electronic or that purse because they can’t possibly be cool without it, pushing to get in a comment so they can establish they have a place in the crazy world that is high school. Man. Did that ever suck!
Lately magazines are filled with celebrities saying they feel better than ever at 30, at 40, at 50 — whatever age it is — my gosh, it has to be better than 13 through 18. You couldn’t pay me to relive that ridiculous insecurity and self doubt. I’m not saying I radiate self love and confidence every second of the day, but I certainly feel a whole lot better about myself than I did five years ago and that is something to be truly grateful for.
Gratitude of the day: Not being a teenager anymore
24 May5 Responses to “Gratitude of the day: Not being a teenager anymore”
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Happy Times!
I am an actor and freelance writer in my early 20s. I think we all work so hard that it can sometimes seem impossible to find the positive in this fast-paced, stressful world. But if all we do is worry -- then what's the point of it all? This blog is about my mission to see the silver linings hidden everywhere and to enjoy each and every happy happening.
You are right on. Some teens have more and some less worries….but everyone has gone through that dreadful age. The good news is at 60 it even gets better….at understanding others and oneself.
I hear that! My high school/teen years were not awesome. I know that some people look at high school as the good old days, but there really is no amount of money worth reliving that time for me :-p Present me is just way more awesome lol
Glad to know I’m not alone!
I’m a teen going through a difficult time at the moment, although it has nothing to do with actually being a teenager per se. I’d find my current circumstances difficult at any age but it’s especially hard coping with everything at an age when I want to be carefree and have fun at college.
However, I’m definitely more confident and secure than I was two or three years ago when I was 16. I think everyone has different teenage experiences.
I am so sorry to hear you are going through a tough time – there certainly are experiences that challenge even the most worldly and confident among us. I think it makes it extra tough that people constantly tout high school and college as “the best years of your life” which puts a lot of pressure on young people. But I think everyone’s life takes a different course and every section of time is “the best” in its own way. I hope you manage to find joy even with your tough circumstances and things get a little easier for you! Stay strong!