Research, articles, books, movies, TV shows, etc. are always more obsessed with mid-life crises, when adults who’ve lived a certain life for 20-30 years all of a sudden realize they have never lived their lives to the fullest. Probably because those crises involve dramatic behavioral changes such as buying a way-too-expensive Porsche to satisfy a youthful desire for power and show (one of the minor exhibitions of mid-life crisis considering the scarier side of that spectrum is death).
But what if I tell you that that mid-life crisis is now upon the youth? I’m not talking about depression or simple questions of “Who am I going to be when I grow up?” I’m saying, nay, stating, that the young adults—those in their mid-twenties—are asking the same questions: Am I happy or even satisfied? Instead of looking retrospectively like our older counterparts, we’re looking into the future. We’re asking questions like: The path I’m on now, will it lead to a more fulfilling life? Am I considering all options out there for me? Am I going after what I want? Am I taking the proper risk? Am I happy with what my future holds?
Sadly, we don’t know. The future is uncertain, but these questions remain. For many of us, taking that risk (almost like taking the first step onto a creaking old wooden bridge overlooking a rocky chasm of death) is the most nerve-wrecking thing to do… ever. We are taught that there are certain paths we can take that are safe and that would lead us to a good life. Then, there are those other paths where men and women have failed as well as succeeded, but costing them their lives (or at least their mental stability). Which path do you take?
We’re young and still impressionable. We want to take those big risks in hopes of big rewards, but our sane side (along with parents, friends and mentors) reminds us of a life we could have if we just pick the easier and safer path. Yet, that easier and safer path could possibly mean you answering “no” to the timeless question of “Are you happy?”
In the famous words of Robert Frost “Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,/ And sorry I could not travel both”… What path do you choose then?
Go back:
Part 1: question of life and death
Go to:
Part 3: follow the Nike slogan and “Just Do It”
