Today is a big day. Today I turn 21. Today I must say goodbye to being ‘just-turned-twenty’ and hello to ‘early-twenties’. I don’t like birthdays, I don’t like growing up. When I was a pre-teen all my friends talked about how much they wanted to be older so they could do all the things they wanted. I on the other hand dreaded each birthday that came and left.
There are several opportunities I have enjoyed along the way, and many more experiences I have been able to enjoy because of age. Coffee is one of them: 
Another pleasure of getting older is making and indulging in your own meals. I don’t know any 12 year olds that make a strawberry maple crunch oatmeal. Heck, when I was 12, I forgot to eat breakfast all together. 
Another pleasure of getting older in being able to reflect on the years gone by, and realizing you have some confessions:
In the bowl: oatmeal, protein powder, pumpkin, greek yogurt, puffed kamut. Topped with: yogurt, maple crunch cereal, strawberries
Confession of a 21 year old #1: I feel like I have not lived my teen-aged life to the fullest. I have lived in fear, and have not taken enough risks
There is that stirfry with hemp seeds I was craving on the weekend! With greek yogurt too.
Confession of 21 year old #2: I have never had a boyfriend. What kind of 21 year old has never been in a relationship. I feel like the main character in the movie “Never been kissed”.
In the past, I have felt incomplete without a significant other in my life. When I feel this way I am constantly reminded of a useful summer camp employee lesson:
The Nightly Devotions Story: When I was 15 I worked at an overnight camp, and made some deep friendships that I will remember forever. As an employee we were required to take part in nightly devotions in the field under the stars. I remember one night the devotions were assigned to an older female cabin leader. For her devotions she talked about how God knows the time to bring a significant other into our lives. We must be satisfied with God’s comfort, love and relationship before we can be satisfied with an earthly relationship. This lesson really hit home for me, although at the time I kept thinking “I’m ready for a guy, I really really am” Clearly at that point I was not.
I’m happy to say I feel more satisfied in my relationship with God then I have in the past, and am willing to wait for the right time to be in an earthly relationship. 
Confessions of a 21 year old #3: I am an introvert. I re-power and refuel by being alone and enjoying the quiet of my own company.
I used to think I was a horrible person because of this. I would ask myself: “Why are you so anti-social? Why can’t you go make more friends”. Don’t get me wrong I have one really good friend, and about 2-3 other friends I enjoy going out with, but that is all. And guess what? I don’t mind anymore. I love the friends I have. If I make more, that’s great. If I don’t, that’s great too. We don’t all have to be extroverts. Introverts can be nice sweet people too. Not all introverts are bitter, cynical and angry at the world. I don’t know why I previously had this misconception. 
I’m sorry for the long wordy post, but It’s my birthday so I’ll write if I want to 
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When you were younger were you excited to grow up and try new things, or fearful? Are you an introvert or an extrovert? Do you have any misconceptions about introverts or extroverts?
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First, Happy Birthday!! Enjoy this special day dear
Second, I can relate to your confessions, but seriously, try not to dwell on them or feel badly. There are times I have felt that I have “wasted” my teen years, but do not think of it that way. Perhaps you are facing more difficult issues than people around you, that does not mean you are wasting your youth by not taking risks… you are simply living differently. Also, I am also an introvert and used to very concerned with this. I couldn’t understand why I didn’t want to be around people all of the time and why I like being alone so much. I am accepting that it’s the way I am, and like you, am better with a few close friends rather than a whole bunch
Feel better, enjoy your birthday!!
Happy, happy birthday!!! Yay!!!
#2 I’m an introvert as well. It may be due to the whole only child thing, but I just really cherish my “me time” 
#3 Your breakfast creations contain pretty much every food I’m obsessed with haha
Were we separated at birth?? #1 I’m 19, pushing 20, and never had a boyfriend or been kissed either, I always felt like the only one out there. I’ve been really leaning on God through it, like you. I just hope that all of this waiting will pay off and we’ll both find awesome guys
Hope you have a fantastic day celebrating YOU!! Wooohoooo!!
I’m also hoping the waiting will pay off, hehe. Either way it feels great to know I’m trusting God
We really must have been separated at birth!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!I agree you write what you want to write when you want to birthday girl:)
I am kind of a mix between introvert and extrovert: I love being by myself and enjoy the quiet of my company, but I also am my happiest surronded by my friends and family. I am definitely more comfortable around small groups though. Enjoy your day!!!!!
Happy Birthday, girl! Big hugs to you
I can relate to so much of what you wrote here… When I was younger, I couldn’t wait to grow up and do “big people” things, but as I grew older, I realized that I didn’t really fit into the “big people” world… the idea of life “out there” kind of scares me, and I swear I’m still a 10 year old at heart.
And I’ve always been an introvert. I would look at the popular kids at school and think… why don’t I have that many friends… why don’t I go out and party every weekend? And the answer to both questions was, because I don’t want to… which just made me feel kind of abnormal because I couldn’t imagine any teen not wanting to be popular and party… it’s so against the mainstream view, so it was like, what’s wrong with me? It used to bug me a lot, but then I realized there’s nothing wrong with me, I just live differently than other people. I didn’t waste my youth, I just enjoyed it in a different way. I think we only feel bad when we compare ourselves against other people… but if you stop and disregard all the others, is the way you live your life really that bad? Probably not. It’s your own unique way of going through the world, and that’s perfectly fine
Feliz cumpleaños a ti! My favorite part about turning 21 was that I could go anywhere now. I didn’t care that I could legally drink alcohol..I was jazzed to be able to go into a sports bar, or to go to a vineyard..you know the fun stuff! You are still SO young (I am too) and we have so much time to accomplish goals and exciting new things. You are on no ones time clock but your own and who cares if you haven’t been an Evel Knievel dare devil because guess what..it’s never too late to start something new! You can be 40 and decide you want to change your career! I tend to be an extrovert 9/10 times, but that one other time that I am an introvert..BOY am I an introvert. I feel like I can relate to other people better in this way.
Your right, it’s never to late to do something new. That’s why I’ve started a 21 things to do when I’m 21 list. I’m going to post it soon
HAPPY 21ST!!!! And don’t sweat it – I’m almost 21, and I’ve never had a boy/girlfriend either; sometimes it bothers me, but I love what you wrote here about things and people coming into your life at the right time. And I’m a total introvert too, haha – I love my friends to bits, but going out to clubs and stuff holds no appeal to me whatsoever, I’m happy with my own company. Nothing wrong with it.
Have a great birthday!
I know exactly what you mean about not wanting to go out to clubs and stuff. Your right, definitely nothing wrong with being an introvert!
I was scared of EVERYTHING when I was young. And don’t be afraid of anything you are! You are still growing and getting older and with time things change!
YAY HAPPY 21ST BIRTHDAY!
this statement “Confessions of a 21 year old #3: I am an introvert. I re-power and refuel by being alone and enjoying the quiet of my own company.” is my life. My therapist almost forces me to get out and socialize which makes me feel guilty but I don’t WANT to. I enjoy being alone and recharging myself. Yes I get social contact through school and people but I’d much rather be at home watching a movie or doing errands on my own.
I also lived a majority of my teenage life in fear. I’m glad to see you’re starting to come out of it
Your photography is amazing by the way
Don’t worry, we don’t have to feel guilty anymore for being introverts! Thanks for the photography comment
Happy Birthday!!!
Pshhh boys dont matter! The right guy is just around the corner
Happy Birthday!!!! 5 more months for moi. Soon I’ll join ya!
There is nothing wrong with us at all.
Also, are you me? We have so much in common it’s insane.
I, too lived too much in fear during my teenage years and am only starting now to realize how much more vibrant life can be if I take risks. I’m also an introvert. I used to try to force myself to go out and do things but I’ve just realized that I am who I am and going out to often would only make me unhappy. Introverts unite! I’d rather sit inside and read a book…..dork
When you talked about not having a boyfriend or never having been kissed I actually said “omg me too!” and it’s true- I never have and I figured I was pretty much the only one. Good to know that I’m not alone in this
nommy breakfast. Love puffed kamut!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY and yes, great minds do think alike!! I know plenty of 21 year olds who have never had boyfriends so it’s not weird at all. Also I think I am naturally more introverted as well. No shame in that, everyone is different!
Live your 20′s to the fullest, no excuses!!
I think I’m a mix of both- excited to try new things, but I always seem to be nervous about things. I’m trying to work on that, though. I want to live life to the fullest! I only have one teen year left
My long lost twin…
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HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! I hope your 21st year is everything you want it to be. I truly believe that love comes when you least expect it. I had only one long-term boyfriend prior to my hubby, and I didn’t meet my hubby until I was 24. Love was like a wave crashing over me–absolutely amazing. I met him just prior to going to law school. I only had 9mons left in the city, and was definitely not looking for love. Love finds you, you don’t need to find it!
You’re beautiful & smart . . . I’m sure you’ll find your forever and it will be life changing, I promise
I just started reading this blog, and I loved this one post! and totaly feel the same way- friends to bfriend (everything) Psalm 130 really really helped my situation and helped me alot- Crack open that bible girl and look it up!
Thanks, I’ll definitely check out Psalm 130
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