Turning 21
It's a case of reverse psychology.I kept telling myself that I wouldn't feel any different (and actually believed that I wouldn't feel any different) so much so that on the day itself, I actually felt something within me transformed.
I remember the night before my birthday I couldn't sleep. Disregard the fact that I had to wake up early, I was excited at the prospect of finally becoming an adult. I guess having referred to myself as 20 for so long, and telling everyone how proud I am of not being an adult yet that when it finally hits me, a huge impact was created.
It is unlike any other number. 21 signifies the coming of age, the badge of approval given by society which accords one certain rights that a 20-year-old doesn't. It is the mentality of growing up, of taking my life more seriously, of having more responsibilities to handle, and hopefully becoming wiser with age and experience.
My cousin told me to treasure being 21, because from then on, it's a downward spiral. And after some pondering, I believe it does contain some truth. When people look at you as a 21-year-old, they probably just think of you as a new budding leaf ready to absorb nutrition for maximum growth. At 22, they give you leeway and still think of you as a new but hopefully maturing adult. But by 23, if one hasn't changed much from when one is 20, then strange looks will be thrown your way. Worse if you haven't accomplished much by then. The prime years are in twenties, and the years just slip past if people were to live day by day not thinking for the future. And can you imagine reaching 28 and not having done anything substantial with your life? It's a scary thought that occasionally haunts me to death.
Just a side note. Our age actually represents the number of years we have lived on earth, and not the year that we are about to live. So when people wish me a great 21st year ahead, it kinda irks me in a way, because I've lived my 21 years, and am actually living my 22nd year. Hm, it's a bit like the controversy about the millinieum thingy when people said 2001 was the actually year to celebrate instead of 2000. Oh well, it's just semantics I guess.
