The uncomfortable truth of getting older

[eddyinet]

I'm envious that you came to this realization at 25. It took me 40 years to get to this point. You mentioned it will take time. My one suggestion is to not wait. Do it now. Slow down now. Set a goal to to accomplish half of what you want in a the course of a day in the next few months. The compounding affect of the greatness you can achieve once you slow down and focus will be nothing short of shocking to you.

[SueStJean-ziwy]

As someone who is about to turn 55, my analogy for your desire to start slowing down is this: Life when you are young feels like sampling the hors d'oeuvres at a party, where you put a little bite of everything on your plate and eat while mingling with the crowd. As you get older you realize you want to sit down and enjoy every bite of a one dish, hopefully with people you love.

[InnerResearcher]

"I cannot approach my life in the way that I used to". Ooft. That hit me deep. I turned 25 this July and I feel the same way that you feel. I remember my teacher in school used to say "if you think of going through life as having a map. The map you use to get from 16 to 18, is not going to be the same map you use to get from 25 to 30". And I think this can even be applied on a micro-level. I've changed quite a lot in the last 6 months, so in a way, my approach has changed and I cannot do things (and don't want to do!) the way I did them 6 months ago. Thank you for another insightful video Nathaniel

[beyondtherhetoric]

As someone on the eve of his 40th birthday, listening to a 25yo talk about getting older reminds me of many of the same thoughts I had at your age. I'm not here to tell you it gets better. It gets different and you gain a different perspective.

[Hey_its_Dre]

I just turned 40 this year and I have a clear memory of thinking 25 was very old (when I was 18)😝 I have come to look at my life in chapters. Every chapter has different challenges and obstacles. I am also a ICU Nurse and my career path has taught me that every single day is an absolute gift, every breath is a gift and every year I age is a gift (I often think of how many of my patients didn’t make it to my age 😔). One thing that has come to me unexpectedly in my 40s is how comfortable I am with myself at this age - I completely accept myself - flaws and all. Cheers to another year and to another opportunity to fulfill goals and dreams.

[anotherpassingpoof]

Reminds me of one of my favorite quotes, "Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished." Lao Tzu. I've tried to remind myself that there is no overarching concrete 'goal' to my life. Of course I have aspirations and smaller goals I want to achieve; but there is no end point, all we have for certain is right now. And for me the focusing on presence and the now is a really grounding way to slow yourself down.

[livelifefamilyzone]

I used to think 22 was older-mature age because I was a teenager. But when I reached 22 I realised 22 is still young or definitely not old. The boxes, limit or checklist based on age are the ones we only put. Sometimes it helps, majority of the time pointless. Just learn and grow no matter what age you are in. Your life is yours, no one else can get the exact life you have or other people’s life that you can 100% duplicate.

[ahutton]

First off Happy birthday! Second, your twenties is made for discovery. When I was your age I gave birth to my second child. I knew I wanted children and I wanted to have them early so I could enjoy my life in my 40’s. I raised my children, went to school and worked hard so I could and now that I’m in my 60’s I’m so glad I did.
You my love are on the right path. I follow your Dad’s channel and I know your parents are good people so you and your brother come from the right stuff. Take your time and just enjoy what life brings your way. You are far ahead of alot of other 25 yrs olds so just listen to what life has to offer. You will be okay.

[MDobri-syce]

I am 32 and not rolling my eyes. My mid 20's were hard because most of my friends were starting to have their own lives. I could see it happening but it took longer for my brain to accept these changes internally. I also, struggled with self-identity at this time a lot.

[tobbiey]

I’m about to be 39. I learned this lesson early on similar to what you are learning now. I take my time. I don’t over burden my life with things I don’t care about. I also despise being late. I know how valuable my time is and I can’t stand the thought of waste someone else’s time waiting on me. All the best as you nose toward a more fulfilling time management for yourself.

[JackCalvinRoss]

This is so crazy. I turned 24 a few days ago and made a video about some of the things I've learned. Damn near IDENTICAL opening about the different stages of our lives almost feeling like individual lives of their own. I've always really related to your videos but this is just nuts man.

These ideas always feel like they come from within but stuff like this makes me think these ideas have to be universal or coming from something outside of myself because you and so many others seem to come to them on their own. Literally started making videos because of you one year ago and it's really cool to see you wrestling with the same ideas that I am.

You've inspired the hell out of me dude and I hope I get to meet you one day. Happy birthday and good luck with the next chapter!

[chronicfish]

You've done and figured out more at 25, than most of us at 45 (me included). You have *nothing* to worry about. You're most definitely on the right path. Always remember to take it slow, enjoy life and to always be a "kid" at heart.

[arturoCM]

I cannot believe I look up to a 25yo. I'm almost 40. Very wise fellow. Hey, Drew, you have helped me a lot! thanks!!

[This_Intentional_Life]

I think you are ahead of the curve. You were working full time at 17 so now in your 20s you are realizing what some don’t until their 30s or 40s. As we develop and grow as individuals what once suited us or drove us won’t anymore because we have evolved. That is the beauty of life we don’t have to be the same person we once were. We can find contentment or even joy in new ways of living or experiencing life. I never really understood the idea of living with less and slowing down until my 40s but I’m beginning to embrace it more and more while still experiencing all that I want with whatever time I have remaining on earth.

[margaritadelcarmen_]

I turned 25 last year and I remember I was really scared and not excited it about it At All. Now in hindsight it’s because of all these expectations I had placed on my self and felt like I wasn’t who I wanted to be and didn’t even know how to get started because I always placed myself last.

I felt like 25 was a very transitional number for me. I started making small goals and putting in the work that I needed to be who I wanted and it definitely took being more intentional with my time and who I was giving it to. So for me it was slowing down too- I’m still learning how to take things slow but 26 thus far has been nice because I’m learned to start living in the moment.

Thank you for this reminder!!

[nicopaolo]

This quote from Chris Williamson’s podcast really hit me

“What was adaptive in one part of your life will be maladaptive in the next”

[pumpjackpiddlewick]

Ah Nathaniel. Yes I rolled my eyes, but also was impressed that you realised that life is ever evolving. As are you. Life is about learning from mistakes, figuring out what works for you (and what doesn't), what you are looking to get out of life. And what is particularly impressive is that you are realising this at your age. Many don't figure this out until much later in life - if at all. Well done.

[oliverhardin]

Only 400+ comments from a year ago but I hope you see this one. As a 21 year old graduating college, I needed this. Thank you

[AzarethLotus]

Life will constantly present you with moments of contrast. I find it interesting that you're realizing and reflecting on these shifts in the Germanic-speaking part of the world, which is extremely punctual and prompt compared to other places you've lived in prior. The world will constantly reflect to you the patterns and behavoirs in your life that no longer serve you. It's not a coincidence you were in Austria and you found yourself shut out of a gift you intended to give to yourself. Had you been in Latin America instead, it likely wouldn't have mattered if you were late. But as you said, you're in a different place now. You're maturing. Your desires have changed and the universe is reflecting what it is that you need to do in order to move forward. Keep doing this kind of internal work. You're doing great.

[Mawopg]

You're only 25 😭😭 god I'm frigging old