What an exciting time to be living! There are choices and opportunities that can yield great returns. Seriously we really can achieve anything we want in our lives as long as we put in the effort! I want everyone to think back to their 20’s. Now whether this was quiet some time ago or now, I want you to think about the opportunities you had. Personally I am 23 years old, just starting my professional career, however; I am kinda of in-between. I venture to say that the 20’s are some of the most difficult times for a person.
You may think to yourself that the 20’s are an excellent time to be alive! I agree I love being young and having boundless amounts of energy. I love playing sports and having the capabilities to play frequently without getting tired or being sore the next day. But from a transitional standpoint the 20’s are a scary time. For example it’s the first time many people are on their own completely. Most people are exiting the educational system and starting a professional career. This is a monumental change, I mean seriously I was in school from the time I was 6 years old until I graduated college at the age of 22. School was the only thing I knew really! Sure I worked with the basketball team and learned valuable time management skills, but gone were the afternoon naps and odd ball free time!
Not only are there so many options professionally that we must choose from, but then there is the pressure to find a significant other to share your life with! I have a pretty positive outlook overall with relationships, but they freak me out. You are telling me that I have to choose someone to be with for the rest of my life? Someone that will be my help mate,and best friend. This person will be the mother of my children, if I choose to have any ( Thats a post for a different day). The dating game is a hard one to navigate now a days! I have had dates that went extremely well and then it’s impossibly to set up a time to meet again. Texting is the absolute worst invention for dating! The hidden messages and the games we play with ourselves can become exhausting! Did she read it? Why haven’t I gotten a response? Wow she replied quickly, she must be super into me! These are just a small sample.
However all to often the chosen response for someone who is not interested is……..
NOTHING
How rude can you be? Here is some advice, be honest and straight up with each other. We are all humans and have feelings. I would much rather be told that you have a boyfriend, or you are not interesting. The worst thing you can do is not respond or make lame excuses. It’s actually quite the compliment to you that someone wants to actually take you out and spend time with you, I don’t understand how some people can be so mean to people who simply want get to know someone. Last bit of advice, give them a shot! Maybe the first date didn’t go well, but maybe they were nervous or not feeling well. First dates can be a scary concept for many guys.
Between choosing a career path, choosing a possible love interest, and the endless amounts of entertainment it can be difficult to manage your time. Personally I have had the benefit of a great support system to help me navigate the “In-between game.” I think it is critical to have people who you can talk to on a deeper level, family or a close friend. When I say deeper level I am talking about someone you can talk to about your fears, dreams, as well as your person troubles. You will be surprised to find out that you are not alone, many people your age are going through the same difficulties. You many be shocked that your parents or someone older had the same experiences. Learn from them and help each other out!
As we see a problem from different angles and prospectives we are exposed to many more potential solutions. Putting in golf is a great illustration of this principle. When you watch PGA golfers putt they are very particular, they stand over the ball to get a line, they walk around the green trying to pick up a specific line, they may crouch down, then at the same time their caddies are doing the same thing! Then they consult one another and come to a conclusion.
I’ve made a choice recently, that I am going to do my best to enjoy the in-between game. Each day I have an opportunity to learn and grow. It’s completely up to us how much we will get from our experiences. My plan is to learn as much about myself as I can. Keep my eyes open to the limitless possibilities available.
As for dating, I am not putting anymore pressure on myself to find the perfect girl. News flash…….there isn’t one perfect girl! We all have faults and will change throughout our lives; however, I am a believer that marriage is a union that is meant to last! You just have to have the expectation that you are marrying a human, and we all change. I think this fact actually makes marriage more attractive to me! How boring would it be if we didn’t progress?
I know I have evolved as a person, things that use to bother me don’t anymore. I like tomatoes, pickles, and green smoothies. Not too long ago I would wear clothes a couple of sizes to big, now I am much more into well fitting clothes and style. Video games are not a part of my life anymore, however, I enjoy art. As I look at myself now, I think the 16 year old me would be absolutely shocked! But I think that is a good thing.
If you are currently “in-between” look up! Keep a good attitude and I promise you that you will make it through! I am just starting my journey, there will be plenty of hurdles in my way, but I am confident that I have the required tools and support system to overcome! We all have greatness within us!
“Some of the greatest feats were accomplished by people not smart enough to know they were impossibly.” Doug Larson
Nunc Coepi 