Crisis Management: How To Make Your Quarter-Life Crisis Your B*tch

Your 20s is supposed to be the time for all kinds of opportunities, adventure, hard work and fun. At least, that is what we like to think.

However, given the economic climate with which our generation is coping, in addition to changes in our social relationships, many young adults are experiencing quarter life crises, which are often described by confusion, insecurity, failure, dissatisfaction, loneliness and hopelessness.

This mainly occurs through our perception about how we think our lives are supposed to be: The grandest of all perceptions. Since we were children, we were always asked what we wanted to be or whom we wished to become.

There is an incredible amount of pressure to be “someone,” as we attempt to make sense of our transition from adolescence to adulthood.

We go from announcing ourselves as future dancers, FBI agents and astronauts as children to slowly fading into “dreamers.” The irony is seemingly not funny, though it does become quite comical after a certain point.

The point is that it is normal for us to question who that “someone” should be as we figure things out for ourselves. Not everyone has his or her life figured out by the time he or she turns 25.

For those who have it figured out, great! If you’re consumed by negative thoughts about the direction of your life, hakuna matata. Stop yourself, and know that it is completely normal. You're not alone. It is all about how you choose to look at it.

People have many opinions about what you should do or whom you should strive to become. Sometimes, you may even feel that anything and everything you do is not good enough.

Just remember, it is good enough. Anything you do is a learning process and a step; ultimately, it is your life to live, so you should do it the way you want and do what makes you happy.

From our grandparents' time to our parents, from the age of one to 25, there have been a number of changes politically, economically, socially and culturally.

Our 20s are not the same as our parents' 20s. So, start thinking about what things are really like today rather than how they looked for our preceding generations. We must acknowledge what our priorities are at the present moment and adapt to making it work for us.

Additionally, stop thinking about how your life is supposed to be and instead, start thinking about the things that make you happy; the things that motivate you and help you feel as positive as ever. Be grateful for where you are and take steps to turning your life around for the better.

I admit taking that taking this step is easier said than done. Accepting where you are right now is key; once you accept your current situation and make plans to change it, taking that initial step will be extremely difficult.

In his book, “Transitions: Making Sense of Life’s Changes,” William Bridges reminded us that transitions always begin with an ending to a chapter. You have to break up with your past and let yourself lose in a new chapter. Hey, why not start by reading his book? It's worth a read.

Life takes time, even though oftentimes, it may seem short. Everything you go through is a lesson to be learned. Embark on a journey of self-discovery and discover a direction in your life that will make you happy and feel a purpose.

It might take a few days, months or years. But ultimately, you are working to become whom you want to be. Remember, that purpose can be big or small — just as long as it's yours.

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