So this is it. I'm finally 21. I'm sitting at the computer with a beer, talking to friends on AIM, and listening to music. It's something I've done many times before. The only difference is that I got the beer myself this time. I don't feel any older than I was 2 hours ago. I don't feel the fact that I now have every right age can grant me sans a presidential run. I guess that's how it goes, though. It's a subtle transition, turning 21. Some celebrate it with parties or stupidity. I just solemnly acknowledge that every birthday after this is just one closer to the last.
You're supposed to gain maturity and wisdom as you age. Looking back, I'm no more of an adult than I was in 2006. I was a man of eighteen, running off to college to pursue his dreams. I've actually regressed from there. I certainly feel a few years wiser, though. Since I turned 18, I became friends with alcohol, let it abuse me, and cut myself off. Now we're on good terms again, mediated by self-control. Sure, I'm buying hard liquor tomorrow, but not a drop will fall into a shot. It'll be a mixed drink. It'll be a warm smile and not a roaring laugh. I walk when I drink now rather than fall.
Here's to another year. I may not be another year more mature, and I'm certainly another year wiser, but most of all I'm another year into finding myself. Twenty was one of the worst years yet, up until about August. It aged me more than any I can think of, and yet I don't feel any older.
Here's to another year.
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Cameron, I find it that once you pass the high school level you don't mature as quickly as you once did. It soon becomes a slow and unnoticable process until you have little whipper-snappers biting at your ankles.
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