Do you ever think it’s ironic how kids try so hard to be grown up, and grown-ups long for the days of being a kid?  It’s true that we often want what we don’t have.  And adulting is no different.

The act of adulting, or being an adult, is thrust upon 18-years-olds around the country. Suddenly, they go from being a teenager to an adult.  Poof! Just like that.  Real responsibility.  Real accountability.  And at 18, suddenly being a “grown-up” takes on new meaning.

Adulting includes paying your own bills.  Doing your own laundry.  Creating your own budget.  Going to the grocery store.  Eating your vegetables without being told.  It also comes with a few perks like being able to eat cake for breakfast.

But the simple truth is, for many of us who have hit the 18-year threshold, we don’t really “feel” like adults.  Forsyth County adult Katie Marsh, shared, “I’m 44, but I still call my mother with questions.  While I’ve mastered most grown-up tasks, I don’t feel like a middle-aged woman.  It doesn’t feel like 18 was that long ago, but yet – I’ve got a grown son who now calls me with adulting questions.”

With all that said, the following suggestions will make adulting a little easier, whether you’re a new adult or a seasoned veteran.

• Be committed to being self-reliant. We spend the first 17 years of life dependent on Mom and Dad to provide for us.  While many parents help their children transition from childhood to adulthood, at some point we all have to rely on ourselves rather than our parents.
• Get some rest. Adulting is hard.  And sometimes, it’s overwhelming.  Especially as responsibilities increase and demands on our time keep us busy.
• Learn how to say no. We all have 24 hours in a day, and it’s impossible to do it all.  Learn how to say no and prioritize the things that matter most.
• Don’t stop learning. Our education doesn’t end with high school or college.  Being an adult doesn’t mean having all the answers, but it does include ongoing personal development and growth.
• Learn when to be quiet, and when to speak. Sometimes, your opinions are best kept to yourself.
• Piggybacking on that thought, adulting means understanding that you don’t have to participate in every argument you’re invited to.
• Spend less than you earn. Live within your means and don’t try to keep up with the Joneses.
• Social media is a fun place to spend time, but keep it to a minimum and don’t think that the things you post can’t come back to haunt you. People have lost jobs over stupid things posted on social media. It’s always a good idea to think before you post.
• Set some personal goals. It’s always good and rewarding to work toward something.
• Eat right and take care of yourself. Self-explanatory.

Adulting is a part of life. One we spend a lifetime learning.

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Some adulting quotes…

• “So it turns out, being an adult is mostly just Googling how to do stuff.” ~Unknown
• “I keep thinking, ‘Oh, man, I’m so immature. How am I allowed to be an adult?’  Then, I spend time with teenagers, and it’s like, ‘Wow.  Okay, yeah.   I am an adult.  I am so an adult.  Look at me. Adulting all over the place.” ~Unknown
• “’You’re still a rock star,’ I whisper to myself as I take my multivitamin and get in bed by 9:00.” ~Unknown
• “My favorite childhood memory is not paying bills.” ~Unknown
• “Adulthood is like the vet, and we’re all the dogs that were excited for the car ride until we realize where we’re going.” ~Unknown
• “You know you’re an adult when you get excited to just go home.” ~Unknown
• “Being an adult is mostly being exhausted. Wishing you hadn’t made plans.  And wondering how you hurt your back.”  ~Unknown