"The rationalization of aging is the myth that happiness is youth and naturally diminishes with time. ... At last man is freed from the animal passion which has hitherto never ceased to disquiet him."
I came across this quote while reading a psychology book about emotions, and I must say that it did wonders for my perspective...
The greatest period of my life (and by that, I mean the happiest), was trying my 20s. In my 20s, I received my first job, moved out of the family home, moved in with my best friend, experimented with recreational drugs, bought a car, started meeting boys, immense amounts of freedom... There were no inhibitions, no restrictions, and life felt incredible because the future remained a complete and utter mystery.
Then I started to become more definitive, more concrete about what I wanted out of life. I met a man who changed my entire perspective on everything, to the point where I wanted to have his child. So we did; we now have 2 beautiful children together ♥️
And I am happy with my role as a mother; I enjoy being a homemaker, and being able to spend every minute with our children. But with the title of mother came a new set of responsibilities, and I'm not gonna lie, it truly scared me when I realized I would be responsible for these kids up until they are capable adults.
So again, I accepted my role as a mother, but I also struggled with letting go of my past. I had to let go of my carefree, worry-free single life, and dedicate myself to caring for our family. In a way, it was like grieving; I grieved for the fact that I would never be able to live that life again.
Thankfully, I am now starting to recognize that that is the furthest thing from being a bad thing! 😄 I am realizing that I have a whole new, albeit different, life to look forward to. Seeing my children happy and healthy as they grow up is the greatest blessing in this world.
And I am happy for myself as well ♥️ Along with the forementioned quote, I saw this video that also spoke to me:
It changed my perspective. A third of my life was spent in childhood, and it was far from being an ideal one. But to just think -- never again will I be at the control of someone else, someone else making my decisions for me, and telling me how to think or what not to say. Then another portion of my life was spent exploring and figuring out who I was.
Now I am about to enter my 30s, a period of my life where I am no longer confused, or impressionable, or afraid. I am in control of the direction of my life, I am confident with the person that I am. I am finally surrounded by love and support, people who want the best for my well-being. I am self-assured, I possess self-control, and I know what I want out of life!
(Image created using an AI art generator on Night Cafe)
What an important and inspiring post! This is absolutely a mindset that people need to take into consideration. They aren’t trying to figure shit out and all that. They have lots of experience and can use that to shape how they handle the rest. We aren’t confused, uncertain and scared. It’s not easy at this stage but the most important thing is that we have strength behind it!
This was such a refreshing perspective, seriously! I’m going to use this for sure hahaha.
I have been trying to hold onto and replace the feelings that I used to feel during earlier years, and only making myself miserable because I can't get it back. And I will never get it back.
But my husband reminded me that as my dreams change, so will my meaning of happiness. I am already starting to feel it more now that my children have officially left the baby stage, we were all playing on the bed and laughing together, the kind that emerges from your belly and won't stop 😂
I'm really glad this helped you in some way too! With how chaotic everything else is, it's so important to have yourself, have peace within yourself...
Beautiful positive vibes in your post, I love it! Thank you!
Very well said! I think that's one of the beauties of evolving as a person, especially when we're open to it, we see life through different angles and learn to experience all that comes with it, the unexpected twist and turns along the journey.
Yes, with years come experience, and I always admire the person I'm becoming when I come out on the other side 😊 thank you for sharing your insight, enjoy the week! 🙏