Marissa Ricci, a UNM Nursing student and native ‘Burqueno’ has some interesting things to say about expectations in your early 20’s, insecurities, and how it’s all going to be OK. Check out her blog post below.
The expectations of your early 20’s are like the expectations of trying vegan pizza and hoping it tastes like the cheesy, delicious, dairy-packed, real deal it was intended to be. In both instances, the reality and your expectations of what it was supposed to be, never really do line up.
At 23 I have never felt so happy, free, confused and lonely all the at the same time (Thank you, T swift.) These years come with what seems like never-ending nights of feeling invincible, followed by mornings of regret and reality. You are still young, but not young enough to not know better. It’s reasonably acceptable to go to work with last night’s makeup, though you are held to the standard of getting your ass there on time and having to be a semi-functional member of society.
You get the point.
Your early 20’s are the less chubby (hopefully) version of your middle school awkward stage. You are stuck somewhere between kid and adult. You might still sit at the kid’s table for family events, but you sure as hell better have graduated and are currently holding a steady job.
Confusing shit, let me tell you.
Oh, mixed up between the engagement pictures, baby announcements and drunk “I swear I didn’t look like that before I left the house” photos plastered over social media. Yay 20’s. Progressing through feeling like you’re running in place. This part is the hardest. Stuck between the “only one drink tonight and ending up shit faced” you and the “time to get your shit together” you.
Early twenties, yes it also is something beautiful.
Plot twist.
I have done some amazing growth these last 3 years. I’ve had my heart broken, drank too much (way, way too much), failed, achieved, stepped out of my comfort zone, learned, got fat, fell in love, got fit, picked myself up again, and most importantly evolved. I have come to a crossroads and acceptance with who I was, who I am and who I am meant to be.
Learning to fall and rise. Take each day at a time. Falling in love with the happy, free, confused and lonely feelings that tend to hit me all at once. The truth is even if no one likes me at 23, you know what I am starting to find out?
I do.
