Crossing 36:Embracing What’s Next

 You'd think the fear would kick in at 40, right? But here I am, turning 36, and there’s this odd tension in the air. It’s not about responsibilities—I’ve been an adult long enough, juggling life, work, and everything in between. It’s the idea of leaving the societal youth bracket that’s got me feeling a bit uneasy.

There’s a certain comfort in being part of that "youth" category, a kind of societal permission to still be figuring things out. You’re old enough to have some experience but young enough to still be seen as having time on your side. But 36 feels like a nudge into a different lane, one where expectations shift and that "youthful potential" starts being measured against actual accomplishments.

It’s not that I haven’t grown or evolved—far from it. I’ve embraced adulthood with all its ups and downs. But there’s something symbolic about stepping out of the youth bracket. It feels like crossing an invisible line, where you’re no longer viewed with the same casual optimism. You’re expected to have it together, to be a little more... settled.

It’s strange because life doesn’t really change overnight with age, but society has these invisible markers that make you reflect. The reality is, I’ll still be the same person at 36 as I was at 35. But mentally? Emotionally? That societal clock is ticking a bit louder.

So, as I approach 36, I’m not scared—just a little nostalgic for the label of “youth.” But hey, maybe this new chapter brings with it the freedom to define adulthood on my own terms. Who says you can’t still be growing, learning, and figuring things out, even when society thinks you’re past the "youthful" stage?