adulthood

I remember when I first got out of high school and lived on my own although there was working and school involved, time was a blur. Between working, classes, friends and partying, weeks flew by. On my days off I would sleep until noon. Weekends were meant to have lots of irresponsible fun. I don't necessarily remember the transition into adulthood. It kind of just happened. All of a sudden I had bills and things to worry about that involved more than what new outfit I was going to get for the weekend. Adulthood has brought many positive things, don't get me wrong. Independence, my marriage, being a parent, owning a home are just to name a few. Those experiences are all rewarding but can cause the most stress too.

When it comes to marriage there is something magical about having someone as your partner and by your side for everything that life throws at you. But it also means that when they hurt you hurt too. When they are ill, hurting, or in need it is your responsibility to support, try to mend, and comfort.

Independence is an awesome thing. You are free to make your own decisions, live by your own rules, morals, and values. But it also means that if you make a mistake, there is no one to clean up after you. If you make a poor choice or decision you are on your own to live with whatever consequence might come along.

Owning a home is a wonderful thing as well. You get to invest in a piece of property that you get to do with as you please in order to make it a home. It is exciting. There is a lot to it though. Maintenance and upkeep are all your job. There isn't a landlord or apartment guy to come take care of everything. If something breaks and needs to be replaced or repaired it is out of pocket money to you. When we bought our home I was excited to garden and landscape and such. I am still excited and love doing it all but there is also weeds, pests, lawn disease that needs to be treated for. Routine upkeep like mowing and watering all take time out of your life. You have to make sure that you are maintaining your home properly from the appliances to the flooring, the roof, etc. It can become stressful fast.

Being a parent for me is by far the most rewarding experience in the world. But again you are responsible for this little mini person who relies on you for everything. Just like with a spouse, when they hurt you hurt. When they are ill, in need, hurt, or sad, again it all falls to you . With children, it is even more difficult because if they are at the age that they can't communicate completely then it also becomes a guessing game as to making sure that you understand what is wrong with them.

It must sound like I am complaining. That is not my intent at all. As you get older you also learn. You learn many lessons, you gain wisdom, and things simply start to make sense. But there are some times that life is overwhelming. Sometimes you wish for the simplicity of being a young child. Sometimes you want a break, maybe just a short nap and even that is not always doable. Sometimes you just want to sit and cry and that is okay too.

Then the rough times end. The trials pass, the stress melts away. All is well again and you are that much more grateful for the awesome life you have and are glad that hard times made you that much stronger.