Yesterday was my 22nd birthday and it was supposed to be different. I was supposed to have fun, indulge a little, go on an adventure. But then my radiator busted and my battery died and I almost had a heart attack swiping my debit card to pay the bill. And I realized something. Even with moving to a new place, with being young and still slightly hopeful despite all life’s thrown at me, this was not the year of having an adventure. Screw my expectations. This was not the year of having the time of my life. This was the year of growing up. So to mark such a special occasion here is the culmination of my twenty-one-year-old insights–from the cheesy to the over-dramatic to the disappointingly true.
laekanzeakemp.wordpress.com 
Good for you. The only thing I would advise otherwise -because I am old- would be #7. True, money is necessary, but it should be your slave. It is possible. Think of it like you do the pressure of body shape. Define it for you. 😉
I agree, it’s all about perspective. But the pessimistic attitude behind some of the things on this list is not necessarily a reflection of me giving up, but growing up. And realizing that being hopeful but also realistic is a good way to avoid the disappointment of finding out that as soon as you become an adult the world doesn’t revolve around you anymore.
You are wise beyond your years. I always tell people that I am a pessimist for the sake of optimism. Hope is more easily found that way -at least for me.
Thank you! I’m definitely beginning to adopt more of the same attitude.
Where the hell was this chart when I was 21, huh?
Happy belated birthday!
Thank you! Haha and maybe you just had the foresight to realize that a list like this is probably useless in the grand scheme of things. I’m sure I’ll change my mind about quite a few of these things by the time I hit 23. But at least, for today, they ring true.
This. Is. Brilliant. (And from one doodler to another: did you hand-draw the letters at the top? Gorgeous!)
Anyways– happy belated b-day, Laekan! It seems to me you already make the best of both your adventures and misadventures…and I think that is the best thing I could wish you for the next year to come! 🙂
Thank you!! And no I didn’t draw them but I am sort of obsessed with typography and free fonts so I’ve got quite the collection haha. And thanks so much for the birthday wishes!!
You’re very welcome 🙂 And OMG, typography, I know! When I figured out how to download and install new fonts (just recently, actually!) I went NUTS. I even made a post about it! http://julieisrael.wordpress.com/2013/05/12/how-to-install-new-fonts-and-why-you-should/
I really appreciate #10 haha. Great post, and happy birthday!
I’ve just nominated you for the ‘Shine On’ award – see: http://topofthetent.wordpress.com/