At the age of 25, life’s responsibilities hit me hard. I signed up for my own health insurance, I began to value PTO days like gold bricks and I’m officially past the age of receiving more than five Christmas gifts. And that’s when it hit me, “Oh s**t, I’m getting older.”

For my entire life, I’ve looked at adulthood like a kid at the zoo — from one side of the glass. Adulthood was a distant idea that really didn’t apply to me. But I’ve noticed a shift in my daily life. More of my friends are settling down, babies are being born and I’m starting to field questions about my future.

“Thinking about getting married?” “When do you want to have kids?” “What’s your life insurance plan?”

“When do you want to have kids?” “What’s your life insurance plan?”

“What’s your life insurance plan?”

It seems like for every question like this I receive, I have the same answer, “I DON’T KNOW!”

My past relationship made me take a hard look in the mirror. I was with a young woman more than capable to be a beautiful wife and wonderful mother, but for whatever reason, I had no desire to make her either anytime soon. Maybe it’s just the man in me; I’ve heard that men don’t like to jump into long-term relationships until they have it “figured out.” Which in most cases translates to “I’m broke, I’m not ready to be a Dad, so why don’t we wait until I’m financially ready?”

Maybe it’s just the man in me; I’ve heard that men don’t like to jump into long-term relationships until they have it “figured out.” Which, in most cases, translates to “I’m broke, I’m not ready to be a dad, so why don’t we wait until I’m financially ready?”

But really, isn’t that everybody? Getting older shouldn’t be a rush against the clock. Nobody wants to have a baby at 50, however, why are we letting society tell us when we should have a baby? Getting older should mark a change in appreciation and perspective. For the first time, you can relate to your parents. I’m an adult now and I can finally appreciate how hard it is to keep up a household.

I like to spend more time with my grandparents. Not because I’m supposed to, but because I understand that they won’t be here forever. It’s not something you dwell on; it’s just something you don’t take for granted.

Getting older doesn’t suck, but it’s hard. There are ups and downs, but you have to keep going. Make good choices, drink more water and be yourself. Embrace the new life in front of you and live for the moment while you build your future.

And don’t forget to stretch before you work out — you’re not 19 anymore.