Turning 25 | A Quarter Life or A Quarter Quell?

Welcome, Tributes, to the Quarter Quell of Life! Much like the infamous Hunger Games, the quarter-life stage often feels like a labyrinth of challenges, surprises, and unexpected turns. It’s that unique period between the ages of 25 and 30 when you’re thrown into the arena of adulthood, facing a mix of societal expectations, personal aspirations, and unforeseen hurdles.

In Suzanne Collins’s Hunger Games series, the Quarter Quell is a special edition of the deadly games, held every 25 years, with even more ruthless challenges. Similarly, the quarter-life phase can often feel like a heightened, more intense version of young adulthood, where you’re thrust into the complexities of real-world responsibilities.

Looking back to the 75th Hunger Games, which was the 3rd Quarter Quell, one thing that I definitely took as a lesson is that we can definitely win the game with the craziest ideas possible, even if you have to crash the arena and turn the whole world into it, like what Katniss did to the arena. From my personal, I think she tries to redirect everyone’s attention that the battle is way bigger than what happened in the arena and we have to take a part of it, everyone. Quarter life might be terrifying, but it can be the whole redirection momentum for us. Every feeling is valid, including fear and the positive excitement of what’s coming next to your life.

I know, I know… Thus who have passed their quarter-life just yesterday or a long time ago will definitely have more experience and insights than us who just entered the quarter-life. Therefore, I am not trying to give a solution here or tips and tricks. But, I would like to start and encourage us to commit to something positive so that no matter how hard it is, we can survive with the power and the spirit of champion within ourselves.

There are several things that I have tried already, as I entered 25 this week, and some of the commitments which I am trying to do in the future consistently.

🌊Embracing the Challenges

Just like Tributes in the Quarter Quell, navigating this phase requires adaptability and resilience. You’re faced with the pressure to establish a career, make significant life decisions, and balance personal growth with societal expectations. It’s a period where the stakes feel high, much like in the games, and every decision seems crucial.

Indeed, I feel like I tried to seek my path in my career in many different ways. As of now, I feel like I am on the right path. But you know, sometimes there are times when you feel like you lose what you believe, and the sparks aren’t there anymore. What I always do lately is convince myself that every feeling I feel is valid. When I feel down, I share it with something or someone. When I feel happy, I share it with most people or just my loved ones. Most importantly, being vulnerable is telling your struggle to the right place and sharing what makes you happy to most people who need a positive vibrant. There is a difference between the values of being totally open and spreading the positive vibrance. Remember, what you spread is what you receive. With that being said, instead of sharing what I have been struggling with, I shared the whole success story of me overcoming the challenges.

🗺️The Arena of Expectations

The Quarter Quell of life is riddled with societal expectations. You might feel the pressure to have a stable job, a secure relationship, and a clear plan for the future. But much like Tributes from different districts, each individual has their unique journey. Comparing your progress to others can lead to unnecessary stress. Instead, focus on your strengths, goals, and what makes your path distinctive.

There will be a never-ending process if you try to compare yourself with another human being. I always say this to myself when I feel jealous of other people; “There are 7 billion human beings in this world; I can’t just spend my whole life trying to compare myself with one person each day.” Choose to fight with your yesterday self. What can be improved from your past self, and what things can you give to others? It is truly beautiful to find the art of “helping others is helping you.”

This month (December 2023), I started a program with my fellow 25-year-old best friends to do monthly charity for those who need it. Please note that we are not crazy rich; we are not even stable in many ways, but what at least I believe is “helping others is helping you.” That is how I try to maintain my arena of expectations.

🔀Unpredictable Twists and Turns

The Quarter Quell in the Hunger Games series is known for its unpredictability. Life, too, throws unexpected challenges and opportunities your way. Embracing change and being adaptable is essential. Remember, it’s okay to pivot, change directions, or redefine your goals as you learn and grow.

In life, the relationships you build matter significantly. Friends, mentors, and a supportive network can provide guidance and strength during challenging times. However, not all relationships may be genuine or supportive. Learning to identify toxic influences and nurturing meaningful connections is vital for your well-being.

This year is the first year I celebrate my birthday intimately with both of my parents and my closest ones because I feel like they are the home that I have in my life all this time and until nobody knows when. What I started to do was pretty simple: I had quality time with my closest ones; I did grocery shopping with my parents, and we made a traditional celebration cake and ended the day by having dinner together with my family!

The takeaway is you will never know what is coming next. No matter how hard you have prepared; you will never be ready for any changes in your life. What you can do is quite simple: enjoy the best moment of your present to the fullest with those who you love the most.

🦅Finding the Mockingjay Within

In the Quarter Quell, the symbol of hope is the Mockingjay, representing resilience and rebellion against the oppressive Capitol. Similarly, during the quarter-life phase, finding your inner strength and resilience is crucial. Embrace your uniqueness, your passions, and your voice. Be willing to challenge norms and follow your aspirations, even if it means going against the grain.

Embrace what you believe is your strength, and remember that you have to be the first person who believes in you. Because if you feel like no one did, and it feels like the world is crashing over you, at least you have yourself.

This is the letter I write every year to next year, this one is the one I wrote last year. I always feel surprised by how relevant and relatable it is to the current stage of my life. Most importantly, I feel supported by myself. 🥰

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As you journey through this Quarter Quell of life, may you find the courage to face the challenges, the wisdom to make tough decisions, and the resilience to emerge victoriously.

Remember, in the end, it’s not merely about surviving — it’s about living authentically, embracing the journey, and surprising yourself.

Surprise yourself!