5 Things they don’t tell you about adulthood (but should)
Adulting isn’t just about bills, work, and responsibilities. It’s also about emotional, spiritual, and personal growth. I’m finally opening up about the five biggest realizations I’ve had while navigating adulthood, and how you can embrace the in-betweens, the growing pains, and the constant changes with more grace and confidence.
1. Know your fundamentals
The world is noisy. Everywhere we turn, we’re told what success should look like, how we should live, and what we should strive for. But the truth is if you don’t know your fundamentals, your values, your faith, and your non-negotiables, you’ll constantly feel lost. Knowing your fundamentals doesn’t mean you’ll avoid mistakes. It means you’ll have a steady compass to guide you back when life gets overwhelming.
2. Friendships will change (and that’s okay)
One of the most surprising aspects of adulthood is realizing that friendships don’t always remain the same. Some people will walk with you for a season, while others will walk with you for a lifetime. And that’s normal. As we grow, our priorities shift, may it be work, marriage, parenting, or even just different personal pursuits. Friendships will naturally evolve, and sometimes even fade. Grieving old connections is part of adulthood, but it also opens space for deeper, more intentional relationships.
“It’s painful to outgrow friendships, but it’s also beautiful to make space for new ones that fit the person you’re becoming.”
3. Get comfortable with the “in-between”
We live in a culture obsessed with milestones: graduate by this age, get married by this age, have kids by this age. But the reality is, most of life is spent in between these big moments. And that’s not a bad thing. The in-betweens, the waiting, the transitions, the uncertain stages are where growth actually happens. They stretch us, teach us resilience, and prepare us for the next step.
“There’s always this pressure to have everything figured out, but the truth is we’re always in some kind of transition. And that’s not a bad thing; it’s actually where most of the growth happens.”
4. Honor your body through every season
Your body will not stay the same forever, and that’s okay! Adulting means learning to adapt your habits as your body changes. What worked in your teenage years or early 20s won’t always work in your 30s or 40s. Honoring your body doesn’t just mean working out or eating well; it means listening to it. Are you stressed? Overworked? Do you need rest? Are you nourishing yourself properly? Respecting your body in every season is one of the most empowering acts of adulthood.
5. Your priorities will shift
In your teens and 20s, you might prioritize school and friends. In your late 20s and 30s, maybe it’s career, family, or financial stability. The truth is, your priorities will change (and they should). But here’s the challenge: when you don’t intentionally reflect on your priorities, it’s easy to live according to what society says should matter, instead of what actually matters to you.
“Adulting doesn’t mean having it all figured out. It means trusting God with the unknowns, and choosing to live with intention in every season.
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