Have you ever heard the song “Why Georgia Why” by John Mayer*? It’s about being a twenty-somethingish person, figuring out if you’re on the “right” life path, why you’re doing what you’re doing, and where you’re “going” (somewhere, I assume, is the answer).
Some of the lyrics are really resonating with me right now. Namely:
Either way, I wonder sometimes
about the outcome
of a still verdictless life
Am I living it right?
-and-
It might be a quarter life crisis
or just the stirring in my soul
Maybe I’m doing some serious reflection because my 30th birthday is coming up in a few months. Not that I’m scared to be thirty, in fact, I can’t wait to be thirty! I feel like I’ve accomplished so much at thirty – a great start at a career, an awesome husband, my own house. But this “big” birthday is making me think a lot of what the next thirty years holds. Is my life still “verdictless”? As in, do I continue on the same path that I’ve created for myself, or can I create a new one? Can I back out? (and is it too late to back out?) Is this restlessness a quarter life crisis?
I remember when I was a bright-eyed-bushy-tailed 22 year old who wanted to save the world. I still do. I guess my 20's made me realize that I want to change the world in different ways than I ever expected. By having kids. By starting my own business. By connecting with amazing, inspiring teachers across this nation.
I guess only time will tell if I’m living it right. And I guess the only person that makes that determination is me.
*I know that as my husband’s reading this, he’s cringing. He hates John Mayer, almost as much as he hates Jack Johnson.
Awww, Shannon. Those lyrics have never stopped resonating with me since the first time I heard them...back when "quarterlife" (AKA 25) seemed like a million worlds away. But, I think you're approaching it right in that you're appreciating all that you've already accomplished, but not letting that determine the rest of your life. I think it's important that you realize that you still have a lot of opportunities out there and that maybe you're ALWAYS going to be able to change courses on the path of life. :)
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