You know that phrase you always hear – “You’re about to enter the real world”? I’ve heard some version of it over and over. In nursery school, in primary school, in secondary school. I was so sure I was already living real life when I got to university! But nope – heard that “real world” thing again senior year.
I figured when I graduated and started working, for real real I must be in the real world. Things were going okay and I felt like an official adult. Then one day I told my parents “I’m getting married!” In dad’s wedding speech, he drops the line – welcome to the real world, son. Ah, come on!
I thought no question, as a married man, I’m absolutely living real life. Then when my wife was delivering our baby, my mom pulls me aside: “You’re a father now, welcome to the real world!” You gotta be kidding. Is someone going to tell me at my funeral that only then am I in the real world?!
We’ve all had experiences shifting from one life phase to the next, waiting for that mythical real world. But when does it actually start? Here’s my take:
The real world begins when you wake up and get perspective. When you understand what’s happening around you and realize you shape your own reality. It starts when you assess where you are and where you want to be, counting the cost.
The real world is where you take the wheel of life’s bumpy ride and steer with intention towards what matters most. So buckle up, get real about your direction, and welcome to real life, my friend!
