LOST and FOUND

Remember when we were kids, dreaming of the day we'd finally be "grown-ups"? Fast forward to our 20s, and here we are, sometimes feeling like we've stumbled into a reality TV show we never signed up for. It's a decade of transformation that can leave us feeling alternatively exhilarated and overwhelmed, brilliant and bewildered.

So, let's talk about this rollercoaster ride and why it might sometimes make us feel a bit stupid and miserable compared to our carefree childhood days.

1.The Rude Awakening

Childhood filled us with big dreams and expectations. But adulthood often delivers a stark reality check. We're thrust into a world of financial responsibilities, career pressures, and the expectation to have it all figured out when we're still learning the basics of adult life. This gap between expectations and reality can be deeply disorienting.

2.The Competence Paradox

Remember feeling smart as a kid? As adults, we often face a crushing realization of how much we don't know. From navigating workplace dynamics to managing complex personal relationships, we're constantly confronted with our lack of real-world skills. This can lead to impostor syndrome and a nagging feeling of inadequacy that we rarely experienced in our younger years.

3. The Pressure Cooker

Social media doesn't help. We're bombarded with images of peers seemingly thriving – advancing in careers, maintaining perfect families, or living enviable lifestyles. Meanwhile, many of us are struggling with everyday challenges and trying to figure out our place in the world. This constant comparison can be mentally exhausting and demoralizing.

4. Financial Stress: The New Normal

Remember when your biggest financial worry was saving up for a new toy? Now, it's about mortgages, and possibly supporting a family. The financial pressures of adulthood can be overwhelming, especially in an era of economic uncertainty and rising living costs.

5. Relationship Complexities

Adult relationships are a far cry from the simplicity of childhood friendships. Romantic partnerships require work and compromise, friendships become harder to maintain with busy schedules, and family dynamics shift as we age. The depth of these connections can bring great joy, but also significant stress and heartache.

6.Mental Health Challenges

Adulthood is when many mental health issues surface or intensify. Anxiety, depression, and burnout are common, yet often stigmatized. The support systems we had as children - parents, school counselors – are no longer as readily available, leaving many feeling isolated in their struggles.

7.The Mid-Life Crisis and Beyond

It's not uncommon to hit points where we question everything – our career choices, relationships, and life direction. These existential crises can be paralyzing and make us long for the simpler times of childhood when our path seems clearer.

8.Nostalgia vs Reality

It's easy to romanticize childhood, forgetting the lack of autonomy and other challenges we faced. But this nostalgia can make our present difficulties seem even more insurmountable, leading to a cycle of dissatisfaction and self-doubt.

9.Navigating Without a Map

Unlike in school, there's no clear curriculum for adult life. We're expected to make major life decisions with limited experience and information. This can lead to a constant fear of making the wrong choices and missing out on opportunities.

10. Health and Aging Concerns

As we age, health issues become more prominent. We start to feel the effects of time on our bodies and minds, which can be a stark reminder of our mortality – something we rarely considered as children.

11.The Upside: Growth Through Adversity

It's not all doom and gloom. These challenges, while difficult, are also opportunities for growth. We're developing resilience, learning to adapt, and slowly figuring out who we are and what we want. It's a painful process, but it's also how we build the depth and richness of our adult lives.

I can now just say that embracing the struggle

Adulthood is tough – there's no sugarcoating it.

We face challenges that can make us feel stupid, lost, and yes, sometimes miserable. But recognizing these struggles is the first step in addressing them. It's okay to admit that being a grown-up is hard. It's okay to not have it all figured out.

Remember, you're not alone in this. Many of your peers are facing similar challenges, even if they don't show it. Seek support, be kind to yourself, and understand that feeling lost is part of the process of finding your way.

Our adult years aren't about having it all together; they're about learning to navigate the complexities of life. It's messy, it's hard, but it's also where we develop the wisdom and self-awareness that give our lives meaning. Hang in there – you're not failing, you're learning and growing, one day at a time.