"It's the ciiiiircle of Life"

I've noticed that in the past few weeks, a number of friends have confronted me about life after graduation and/or the transition into adulthood. I find this comforting and I'll tell you why. It's not necessarily that after nearly a year of adult life, I feel better equipped than said friends or that I could impart some grand knowledge that would protect them from the superfunk that inevitably follows graduation. No, on the contrary, I think it's because during a month where growth has been very hard to see in my own life, it's an incredible feeling to realize that I'm still here, struggling away.

A good friend once told me: "Mark, relax. Slowdown." OK, actually, every friend I've ever had has said that to me, as well as, every adult, family member, clergyman, doctor, crossing guard, passerby, dog .... you get the point. I wouldn't quite say that I've rushed through life, but I have been extremely proactive. School was never really my cup of tea - eight grade was probably my favorite year - and after that it just turns into a game and full of ups and downs and implications, etc. In the end, I graduated college a year early and I maintain that this was the best decision I could have made regarding my college and future career. There's a number of reasons for that, but I'll stay on topic.

On a larger scale, I'm realizing the steps that my peer group has taken these past months. Employed or not, in a relationship or not, all together or falling apart - we're HERE. We aren't giving up and running home. We're fighting and struggling and hurting, and you know what? That's an incredible thing. Hardship makes success that much more enjoyable. Now, the next group is graduating and moving on and looking for advice on the hump. We're seasoned fighters ready to add to our numbers!

On a personal scale, I've managed the superfunk. Is it still a struggle at times? Of course! That's just a part of life, but in the grand scheme of things, I've successfully seen my way through the hardest transitory period in my life (so far). And truth be told, I don't feel like the same, frazzled, worried, flighty period that I was a year ago. I understand the value of my work, the value of my faith, and the value of my relationships. This year has presented many obstacles, blessings and lessons learned. I keep thinking about where I was a year ago today and how vastly different my life is now. I'm at a significant turning point in my life. That is, I now find myself looking back and reflecting instead of obsessing with a future I ultimately can't control right now.

It's funny. This period of your life is everything everyone tell you it is - and at the same time - nothing that you could possibly expect.