Too Many Clichés to Count (sorry it's just one of those days)

I've often heard the phrase, "starting a new chapter in life," when people are going through a change- whether it be a breakup, a new job, a new home, or even just a new haircut. I've said this myself in the past year . . . too many times to count. I always anticipated that this stage of my life would be a rough one, and I feel that I've almost turned that pivotal page. The problem lies in the fact that although I might be moving forward (or sideways or diagonal or up a flight of stairs), the rest of the world isn't always with me.

I'd be interested to know how many people out there feel like I do. Who else thinks there's just a few things we're having difficulty moving on from? And I don't mean moving out of your parents' house or missing Lawrence drink prices. I know we're all working our butts off to get where we want to be job-wise, money-wise, and home-wise, but there are other areas of life that are a bit stickier. With all this change taking place, why can't we accept that we're becoming different people? It's naive to believe that in the midst of so many transitions, people and relationships will remain static. They just can't.

It's not only that the world isn't moving forward at the same pace, but I feel like I'm on the short end of the tug-of-war rope, about to be pulled into the mud. Those of us who are more than ready to move forward and start our new chapters are quietly nudging some of our companions along. The trouble is, I feel like too many people around me are desperately resisting change, and yanking on that rope to pull me back into their comfort zones. Seriously, I wouldn't mind having a few more people on my side of the rope. (Have I used enough metaphors for you yet? At least I'm not talking about spreading my wings or leaving the nest. Yet...)

We don't have to be sad that things aren't staying the same. It's okay to let some people and experiences pass into memory, and acknowledge that people are always changing. What was good for us in the past might not be right for us today.

So I've come to the conclusion that, inevitably, some things must be left behind. I'm not happy about it, but I'm surprisingly not that sad either. It just needs to be done. I know that twenty-somethings are renowned for their attitudes of self-centeredness, and our egos are as big now as they will probably ever be, but that's a good thing if you think about it. It's imperative to take a look at yourself and decide what is important, and what needs to be let go. It may come off as selfish, but it's really just part of life. You've got to get what you want now, don't waste time.



I'm hoping that my next post will be comparatively lighter, possibly on the following topics: the Pygmy Marmoset (the world's smallest monkey, so freaking cute), the upcoming birthday, searching for an apartment, or the perfect hangover food. Suggestions?