Millennial dutiesComing of age

Akila Sridhar

I’ve always wanted to be a woman of content. To start off I might’ve always been one but I’ve never really seen myself to be qualified enough for that. Someone once told me that in your 20s, the bars are always set too ambitiously high and no feedback would ever be a good enough feedback.

I’ve always wanted to make life altering changes and come out head strong. Have the strength to walk away from situations harmful for confidence and people who’re toxic, but never really listened to my own advice. I’ve always wanted to help out in the society, sort of like giving back for all the privilege taken for granted over the years and I’ve spoken the big words but never really implemented it myself.

Having been brought up in the household of tough love believing that unless the going gets tough, you aren’t really going, I’ve never found time outside of my normal lifestyle to contribute and introspect my position. I’ve never felt like I had it all or enough to start giving. I always felt like I could start tomorrow but that never came closer.

Those of you who know me well, have also known me to show them pictures of “people” I’d like to be similar to and I often used to say “I wish I had it as easy as them” completely discounting their struggles and hardships they’ve had to face. I’ve never really thought about the sacrifices they’ve had to make and changes they’ve made to endure to make even the slightest change in the society or even themselves. I agree, I was wrong all along; It’s never too less to share and never too small to give. In building others is where one can see the real self growth. So now I’ve decided enough is enough.

It’s high time I start walking the talk about the agency I believe in. I need to start putting in hours for the community, for myself outside of work as relaxation for the mind, as a step to proving to myself that there is so much to my 20’s than just partying and academics.