PECULIAR to the social media, the word "Adulting" generally means doing mature activities and holding duties and responsibilities which are expected of a dependable adult -- things like having 8-5 jobs, paying bills, and living with less or even no parental intervention. During its recent popularity, the term also signified a "coming of age" reference, a slap of reality if you may (which was often unwelcomed). Hence, most researchers concluded that the expression reflected the younger generation's aversion of growing up.
Far from mundane achievements like finally doing chores and avoiding the late night-outs or rock-and-roll-life, "Adulting" can define the mettle of a person. It can separate the men from the boys, the strong women and the dependent girls. From the struggle of welcoming a child and spending a hundred thousand from the life savings, to taking up huge loans to save the family, adulting requires the most mature acceptance that life in this world is not about rainbows and butterflies, and that positive outlook that we can endure the rugged trails of living.
For most millennials, this stage is often the most stressful part of their lives. They now lose the excuse of youth in accomplishing significant things, and at the same time they are expected to step up and change the world. As they cross the age of 30, the mounting pressure would exhaust them to a point of disillusionment and loss of confidence - "#adultingisreal".
Perhaps the most comforting thought for the people in my generation is the idea that, just like the earlier generations, it took them time to build themselves and finally contribute to the society. Our adulting stage should only be one part of our journey towards the same goals. As they say, there is a time for everything whether great or small -- just like the seasons, there is a time to learn and a time to teach, a time to follow orders, and a time to give them, a time to be a child, and a time to have a child...a time to outgrow the tender versions of ourselves, and a time to relieve the adults and hopefully become the strong pillars of our society.
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The rush of August passes with fluid memories of our colorful lives. Just like the musical film (August rush), the month will make us reminisce about the past, and at the same time force us to consider the future with earnestness. After all, the air of September is a prelude to the approaching new year, whether we like it or not. This year, regardless of our disappointments and failures, is still a gift that we should be grateful for.
I also wish to greet those who were said to be the products of the cold season (hehe). Happy birthday to my Aunt Jennifer, my cousin Adlai, my niece, Yuri Cadence, and nephew Timo, and of course to my son, the child of the rains: Vash Grayzeon --you pulled me and ushered me to this "adulting experience", and I love you very much. Happy August Rush to everyone!