Life used to be so much fun being in the middle. Remember when it was cool to be the one in the middle of a photo or sit in between your besties at the movies. Those were the days when no one EVER wanted to be the first or last in line.

Now, I have a totally different view of what it means to be “in the middle,” and it’s definitely not as amusing as I remember. Today, it seems we all take life too seriously focusing straight ahead to reach goals society has programmed us to achieve. We also often get stuck in-between jobs, in the middle of two family members, or even in-between a best friend and a boyfriend. I’ll admit for the past year I have felt like quite the middle man, or woman I should say. I’m in that limbo adult phase in life where I have a nice job and great group of friends, but still not sure where I’m headed; and that’s ok. I’ve come to realize that fully accepting the middle means you’ve taken the responsibility to take control of your own life; no syllabus or directions included.

As a 20-something year old, I often go back and forth weighing not just what path is right or wrong, but whether or not I WANT to make society’s “right” or “wrong” choice. I’m old enough to know what’s best me, and capable of making that decision for myself. I would much rather follow my heart and possibly make a mistake, than always wonder, “What could have been.” I believe it’s advantageous for a person to learn and grow from life’s little pitfalls, rather than always choosing the safe “right” choice that might not be right for them.