Adulting is a myth!

I graduated this June and dived right into working. Although exciting and fun at first, like every job there comes a point where it starts to get repetitive, I have been blessed as to not have a fully desk job. The whole idea of "working" at least full time is immensely new to me. And I think in the process of acclimatizing myself with the new routine I have for myself, there are a few things that I missed out on, that I'm slowly finding my way back in.

The term adulting means "the practice of behaving in a way characteristic of a responsible adult, especially the accomplishment of mundane but necessary tasks." I, by no means discourage or promote adulting activities like paying off bills, going AWOL at work or something rather extreme. Adulting is a myth in a sense that we let ourselves be consumed, sometimes over consumed by it.

Here's how I'm trying to draw the boundary:

1) Don't take yourself too seriously, nobody else does-

This should be a constant reminder when trying new things, and you should try new things constantly. You just have to remember that nobody cares enough to judge you or anyone, everybody is busy thinking if they're being judged. So don't take yourself seriously. Don't hold in your laughter in public, dance and let your body sway and try that thing you've always wanted to try. It will be worth it.

2) Break the routine:

Human psychology is such that we've become so accustomed to the mon-fri work days and weekends are for enjoyment that we often postpone joy for the weekends. A positive of being an adult is that nobody can say "no" to what you want to do. So watch a movie on a week day night, catch up with a friend on a Thursday and snuggle in your bed and read till 3 AM. Allow yourself to do things that make you happy on a daily basis. Don't live for the weekends. A friend of mine always said "Don't postpone joy" I think it's one of the most understated aphorisms. Although easier said than done, the human race has never ceased to try. So try-baby steps.

3) Set work boundaries:

I think I did this from the moment I joined and I'm so glad I did. Because the real life examples were different corporate employees I saw around me. I was flabbergasted when I saw people prioritizing working over taking meals on time, staying healthy. This was imprinted on my mind early on and thankfully did not have to learn it the hard way.

4) REMEMBER, you have your entire life ahead of you but also that you have one life, so make the most of it:

I know this sounds so paradoxical but what I mean by this is, in times of uncertainty, stagnation or a sense of anxiousness about the future, it's crucial to remember that you STILL have your entire life ahead of you, although what you're feeling right at this moment is valid, for many things in your life, this will not be a significant game changer in your life like you might think at the moment. If it won't affect you 3 years down the lane, it's not worth your anxiety and stress.

What I mean by "you have one life, so make the most of it" is grab life by the balls and take the chances, take that trip, take a break year, plan to the point. but just say yes. Say yes to life, and take the road less travelled by. Like Robert Frost said, "it will make all the difference"

5) Age is just a number:

Now I know how this quote has different connotations but I want to emphasize on how society has set a benchmark on how different milestones of life need to be achieved at a certain age. Although not completely wrong, restricting oneself due to these man's unwritten rules is fallacious. Do it because you want to, because you have one life.

Here's a listicle to help you get started on your YOLO journey. (I'm still working my way through this list.)

1) Go on a solo date: Although social media has made this mainstream, it is a necessity. Ultimately we have to live with ourselves, might as well know yourself better.

2) Plan a spontaneous trip and follow through: We can all agree that one of the best parts about travelling is deciding the place and planning. but mostly we never move past that, this time, skip the steps, book the tickets and just go

3) Write love letters: I know this sounds abysmal, but try it. Write letters for your loved ones. Not as a consequence of the occasion, but just because. You get one life, tell the people you love that you love them.

4) Go without your phone for a day: Now this may seem extreme but it's a bliss. In today's world disconnecting yourself from gadgets is the real paradise.

5) Surprise someone: It is important to remember that there is world beyond you, so go surprise your family, friends or the less fortunate. Just spread joy.

I think I have philosophized this post enough. I'll end it with my favorite quote from one of my all time favorite movie.

“You only get one life. It's actually your duty to live it as fully as possible.”