Although I still have six more months till I turn 20, I am bewildered by how fast my teen years have passed. It shocks me how beach days with my Father near La Jolla Cove were eight years ago. It feels like last month to me.
From hair-pulling arguments to sun-filled country fairgrounds to braces to my first day of college, I couldn’t have had a more iconic teenage time. All my experiences molded me into the still-trying-figure-it-out but much better version of me today. I am beyond grateful for the people, events, and memories that are integral to my upbringing. As I continue to grow, I felt the need to share some critical takeaways from the past 6-ish years of my life.
Maybe this is something I can look back in 10 years after completing my 20s to see how I have evolved. For now, let’s focus on the teenage years:
1. Get clear on your peace, then your goals.
Overlooking your mental health and peace of mind can quickly occur when not kept in check. No amount of power or praise should compromise your peace. No, I’m not insisting you drop out of school or give up on your dream career. Instead, I’m inviting you to become grounded in what will get you to your goals. For me, it is practicing awareness and stillness amongst the chaos. It reminds me that I am not the body or the mind. Expanding myself in this uninterrupted, infinite space is how I put my priorities into perspective. This strategy avoids burnout, unnecessary stress, and insecurities. Once my inner world is stable, I can confidently approach my work and responsibilities.
2. Be love, don’t try to find it.
Getting caught up in finding love in people, objects, and opportunities is easy. However, it never seems to satisfy the seemingly never-ending, fidgeting urge in us just to be loved. So what does? Being love.
Sound too abstract?
Love isn’t something a degree, friendship, car, or even a mansion will give you (at least long-term). Being genuinely fulfilled on your own is when your desires come to fruition. When you can go about your days not stressing about the external world, you’re genuinely in love with the essence of life. Being love is pretty much like a lens through which you interact. However, you will soon realize that love is who you are at a core level. Become aware of illusions that are hiding this truth from you.
3. Know what makes you a kid.
Is it a good swim? Is it a hearty sandwich? What reminds you that there is ease and lightness in your life? No matter how many years fly by, I believe it’s critical to stay in touch with your inner kid. Being an adult doesn’t mean that everything fun dissipates (unless you choose to see it that way). For me, this means watching old Bollywood comedy films with my family, drawing Mehendi/Henna designs on my hands, or cooking my favorite comfort meals. These activities add life to my days, reminding me how joyous my experiences can be.
Here’s to the 20’s!
What were some important takeaways during your teenage years? Write them in the comments below!
J I V A W A Y S 