Whether it's pulling a wedding invitation out of my mailbox. Buying a onesie at Baby Gap. Another bridal shower guest saying, "So, are YOU married?" because apparently it wasn't obvious that I was the only ringless girl at the table, let alone in the room. All of these things and more are reminders that I'm in my late twenties. I always like to say things like, "Y'all are married and I'm still just Teddi!" and I prefer to pretend that everyone else is growing up but the truth is that I am too. But what I'm learning is that you don't have to get engaged, hitched or pregnant to do so.
For such a long time, I felt like everyone else was running a race and I was sitting on the starting line. That was tough. I think any gal who's experienced it can attest that it's not the prettiest place to be. Feeling left behind and left out is really icky. There will always be people who look down on you because of the choices you have (or haven't) made. Why add one more to the list by looking down on yourself?
This year has been the best of my life. So much has happened. And I hope you'll read my newest Divine Caroline article, 25 is Not the Loneliest Number, if you haven't yet. I've been blessed a million times over the past eight plus months, but perhaps the greatest gift of all was finally realizing that only when you stop worrying about your future are you truly able to enjoy your present. And so I have been. Almost every single day. (Hey, I'm not perfect!)
And you know what? Engaged, married or pregnant... I think I'd still be a joker. Life is just more fun that way.
I heart you just the way you are!
ReplyDeleteFor some giggles: http://myfriendsaremarried.tumblr.com/
ReplyDeleteGreat post!! 29 and still single here. I just like to think of it as God has someone reeeeeeally great for me!! :)
ReplyDeleteLOVE this post, love your attitude. Your blog is one of my favorites to read. Keep it up :)
ReplyDeleteGreat post!! You are fine just the way you are, comparing yourselves to others for what they have that you do not is very unncessary and counter productive.
ReplyDeleteA young cousin of mine recently lamented to me that she did not know where she was going to college next year (her older sis ter just started college in Washington DC. I hugged her and told her thats ok, you do what makes you happy.
I have been married for twenty years (later this month) and we are childless and thats ok. Sure i have plenty of days i wish i was a mom but it did not happen, and we are content as just being a happy couple.
Believe me, i understand what you mean as far as not feeling as grown up as others your age for not being engaged, married, or pregnant.
Don't let others define your happiness, only you can decide what is best for you.
Every time someone asks me my age, I have to stop and think. Because in my head, I always think, "there's no way I'm *actually* 27. Come on now. That's for grownups." Glad to hear someone else feels the same!
ReplyDeleteYep, we single gals just have to count the blessings that come with this stage of life. It isn't always easy to do, I admit, but I try.
ReplyDelete--37-year-old spinster AKM, who often forgets the actual number of her age, too.
I just wanted to let you know how much I loved this post as well as the article you had written.
ReplyDeleteI'm feeling similarly lately and feel like everyone is growing up and i'm still a kid (I can't believe i'm a 20 something, really). There's still so much fun to be had and life to experience!
I am glad I am not the only one who gets asked those questions: are you married? where is the kids? blah blah blah. I think I might get a shirt next time im at a friend's baby shower or some other event that says: ask the me the following questions but not these: are you married? kids?
ReplyDelete:)