I’m an Adult. Seriously.

My name is Heather Marie. I’m 24. And I’m an adult.

I guess I don’t really need to join a support group in reaction to my status in life, but becoming an adult has been a surprising series of events.

I legally became an adult six years ago, but it wasn’t until recently that I really felt like I had fully become one. Adulthood transcends the ideas I had when I was a kid: staying up late, making your own choices, dating, seeing R-rated movies, imbibing, and taking more responsibility.

These people love being adults!

Yet, the paved journey to adulthood has been somewhat surprising:

1. I go to sleep early.

I used to make fun of my sister when she was a recent college grad for retiring very early every night. Without homework to do, she had so much free time! Why waste it?

Oh how little I knew. Once I started working and commuting, I completely understood. Working full time is exhausting. Your whole self goes into what you do each day (well, hopefully so!) and once you get home, there’s dinner to make, errands to run, and a multitude of other things to focus on. By the end of the day, I sincerely miss my pajamas.

I have a hard time staying out late on Friday nights now (unless I’ve napped for a bit after work) because of how tired I get, and sometimes find myself leaving my plans early to go to bed. Sometimes even before the last train.

Lately, with taking classes, plus a lead organizing role with Oxfam America Action Corps, I can’t ever seem to get to bed before midnight, which will not be a trend I can keep up. I miss being in bed at 10 and not feeling ashamed!

2. Paying debt off is an accomplishment (and fun!)

Until very recently, my money management skills left a great deal to be desired. I am now uber-obsessed with my available bank account balances, how my money moves, and paying my bills. I paid off my credit card debt a few months ago (it took four years, but it’s done!), and now I’m focused on shrinking the size of my auto and school loans and growing my savings. I’m even hoping to open a Roth IRA in the next year or so.

I can control my spending, pay all my bills in full and on time, not overdraw my account. Paying off debt – well, it’s just a wonderful thing.

3. I like wine.

I used to be a mild consumer of wine. I would nurse a glass for hours until it became undrinkable. I tried and tried to like it; took advice on reds and whites and pairings from my knowledgeable uncles and friends. I just couldn’t get behind it. I couldn’t discern the tastes of oak and fruit that connoisseurs could.

And then, something changed. I now like, nay, love wine. I’m interested in learning more, trying as many as possible, and continuing to grow my palate. Pass the Argentinian Malbec, please!

4. Time flies by.

Another surprising (but yet not surprising) aspect is that time flies by. Growing up, all the major milestones seemed ages away: driving, voting, drinking. Now these are all so commonplace that I sometimes take them for granted. Once I hit 25 and gain the ability to rent a car, what comes next? 30 seems so far away, but it’s realistically right around the corner. While I’m not fearing middle age yet, I realize how quickly it could come. I just have to make sure that I enjoy life as much as I can, because each and every day is precious.

On the other hand, adulthood has also not been surprising: taxes, sacrificing want for need, and financial independence (I just bought a car – completely on my own!). But I’m enjoying the journey.

And besides, who said adults can’t be silly?

Who said that adults have to be serious all the time? Life is better when you're silly.

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