top of page
  • Writer's pictureLaura Brzyski

26 --> 27

Two days ago, I turned 27. With a birthday (as with a new year) comes a looking back. And when I reflect on 26, I find much of my life changed: our 6 year relationship dissolved; I finally moved out of my shitty studio apartment; my bank account required more from me; we discovered red stars. Even the urge to go out for Sips every Wednesday ceased (who am I anymore?!).


But, as I look back, I also find that my body has surely slowed down. I know I shouldn’t be shocked over this–I know that getting older means bodies don’t work like they used to. But man, I didn’t realize how soon it’d happen & how much it sucks. The food I eat & the ‘social bevs’ I consume now go directly to my stomach (not my thighs). When I was 22, I could drink my weekends away & wake up looking…well, emaciated. I’d hit the gym post-hangover & be in tip-top shape. Even though I don’t drink like I used to anyway, I still can’t get over the fact that a consumption even less than my previous level will yield this joey pouch as if I have become semi-kangaroo. I am a firm believer in “don’t complain, change,” especially when it is something within one’s control. I know I can get my body back, or at least something close to what I used to have. But there is no denying the fact that it will not be as easy as it once was. It will be a laborious undertaking, if only because growing up changes movements and results.


With these changes and reflections, I feel an enormous sense of urgency. Not long after I turned 26, the biggest part of my life ended & began again. It was a very quick & unexpected turnover. Before, I felt I had a lifetime for us to do things we always said we’d do when we were older, out of school, established, with money. And then, that vision was no more. Once a new one began, I felt like we had to do everything at once & make up for all this lost time. I still feel that way. I get anxious about making sure trips are booked, as if not having them booked means we’ll never get the experience. I also have found this overwhelming desire to involve myself in my passions. I write conference papers for fun, choose yoga over happy hour, volunteer as a reader for a really rad literary magazine. Overall, I have this screaming NOWNOWNOW rattling my bones.

For me, I think 27 will be a transition year. It is scary, even when exciting. I know this will be the last year I live alone. Being an only child, that is frightening. Soon after 27, I presume engaged. Then married & the rest of the story. And I know this will all go slow & fast simultaneously. 27, it seems, is a catalyst.

24 views0 comments

Recent Posts

See All

With a little over a week of 2019 under my belt, I've been actively thinking about concrete goals and plans I'd like to accomplish and execute. My last post highlighted some general ambitions, but aft

bottom of page