Question #11
“What was the defining moment in your life that you were sure of yourself and came into your own?”
Dear H,
I think that at different points in my life, I’ve had defining moments that marked a significant transition in my life, as I continue in my journey to becoming myself. (I will always be becoming myself, I hope.) Here are two of those moments from my life so far.
College Graduation - The week of graduating from college was filled with people who had seen me on my journey into early adulthood, and I was recognized by my campus community for my accomplishments and contributions in the classroom, and in the campus community. I received three kinds of academic honors, and an award given to only ten graduating seniors campus-wide. It was the first time I felt like I’d achieved something for myself, due to my own hard work, and I was so proud to be finished with the journey, and to show my parents all that my life had been for the past four years - where I worked on campus, where I lived, introducing them to various professors and administrators, and also having them meet my friends and classmates.
Turning 30 - I remember about a month before I turned 30, I finally felt like I figured out who I had spent my twenties becoming, and I really liked her. I felt so good in my body, and certain of who I was, and that I could navigate the next two thirds of my life. I also realized how young I was at that moment, and it prompted me to start thinking about what kind of life I wanted to live for the next ~60 years.
I expect that as my life continues, I will have more of those moments, the clarity breaking through life’s noise and reminding me that I know who I am, and I can be sure of myself.
