I’m leaning more into the bright side of adulthood

People often paint adulthood as dreadful, tiring, and chaotic. We get tangled up chasing money, love, healing, and all the ever-changing pressures that tag along. Because everyone talks about these struggles, we let them become the mirror we look into daily.

Yet what I treasure about growing up is the power to choose and to know exactly why I’m choosing.

It’s peaceful to say no to a night out, step away from uncomfortable moments, and craft a life that looks like mine.  

As a child, I took whatever came. Now I pick what stays, and that freedom makes me grateful for adulthood.

Being an adult means acting on purpose. Recently, I chose to live out my faith more openly and intently.

I know the sacrifices this takes, and I accept them. Each step makes me more confident in who I am becoming.

For example, as a child, I went to church just because that’s what we always did. Now, I follow Christ because I truly want to.

Fear no longer drives me to “be good.” Instead, I guard the peace I would lose if I drifted away.

That aside.

Maybe we talk so much about how hard adulthood is because the stakes feel high. Making tough choices and facing their consequences can be scary, so we focus on the struggle instead of the freedom those choices bring.

For me, shaping my own values and habits fills me with pride. It’s like molding clay: the work is tough, yet each press of the hand reveals something you like.

For sure, with adulthood comes pressure, but it also lets us pick our workouts, hobbies, partners, friends, jobs, and homes. These choices give freedom and joy.

Where there is bad, there is also good. Lately, I’m leaning more into the bright side of adulthood.