Another Day. Another Age. Another Decade.

Long overdue… but as they say, “delay is not denial”.

And certainly, not all that glitters is gold, especially not adulthood… to be fair, we were warned but I guess more emphasis was needed and yet I still don’t think any amount of preparation would suffice. The transition into a journey never before walked came with many unprecedented challenges. Growth is a compulsory part of life, the process can never be chosen nor avoided and each is different. Today let’s talk about the ‘expectations as we grow, versus the actual experience’. And a bonus, ‘birthday or annual identity crisis. Growth, as we know it, is a natural and compulsory part of being. An event that reoccurs with each new day we breathe. Inevitable yet, not always enjoyable because just like our mothers go through birth pains, we go through what I’d label growth pains. Growth pains would be the various misfortune we’re met with at different stages in life. These could include; heartbreak, disappointment, failure, abandonment, betrayal, and depression, among others. Life does not always deal us a good deck of cards and that is an inevitable truth. I don’t know about you, but growing up, I expected life would be more fun and calmer. That somehow the noise of expectation and pressure would die down as I begin to live as who I truly am and want to be. Little did I know it only gets louder and more stressful. · Trying to become this successful person and giving yourself deadlines you soon realise is unrealistic · Being ambitious is more difficult as you become more aware and logical in your pursuits so aspiration doesn’t come easy anymore · You constantly question who you are and if you’re truly on the right track · Disappointment becomes a regular part of life, that it no longer comes as a surprise And one day you suddenly stop being so excited to grow older because you expect more bad days than good and exciting ones. I turned 20 this year, on the 24th of May 2022, at precisely 23:12. I officially lived two decades, which five years ago seemed like a dream, a day I looked forward to. To think I didn’t even want to celebrate the day. I simply took myself out, on a solo date because I just wanted peace so badly. The day started off at the mall for brunch, then to a bookstore because I simply love books, I then tried going to an art gallery because I love art but they were sadly closed, I ended my day at church just to thank God for the life I was gifted. Don’t get me wrong, I am happy to be alive. I only noticed an annual trend, to doubt myself every year around this time, as if seeking to know if I really am still me and if that’s who I truly desire to be. It’s realising you turned a new age and there are still outstanding goals on your “before I turn 20” bucket list. Stressing about whether you’ll ever achieve them and if you should even keep trying or let them go. Knowing there’s another list you need to begin with. Growth certainly isn’t an easy thing and this was a little glimpse into my mind as I turned 20. I pray for better days and achievements, for brighter thoughts. I leave you with this…

. But for this decade, GRATITUDE! "Because wanting always interrupts being" May I become well-versed in contentment That I appreciate all I am and have now Being hopeful for what is to come And looking to God through it all

.

Thank you for joining Unpoken Gist. I hope yours will be a frequent visit.

With love and anticipation.