One of my favourite parts of the Easter holiday is connecting with extended members of my family that I don’t get to see very often. This year, I was lucky enough to spend time with my baby cousin, Darcy. (She’s actually 25, but to me, 13-years her senior, she’ll always be my “baby” cousin.)
I was pleasantly surprised that she agreed to meet me when I proposed a Saturday morning breakfast at 9am. I was sure she was going to gasp and ask for a later time, as I assume all 20-somethings have big party plans on Friday nights. (Turns out she did have plans but was still able to meet me early the next day. Love that girl.) We went to a local breakfast spot and ordered standard breakfast fare: Eggs Benedict, bacon, toast, pancakes and coffee. My favourite.
I always enjoy my chats with Darcy. Like you’ve probably guessed, she reminds me of how amazing life was at age 25. She’s considered a member of Generation Y, as she was born in 1988, but in my opinion, she doesn’t have the characteristics of the stereotypical Gen Y – you know, the ones we hear about in the office: self-centered, over confident, and over ambitious. (I have yet to meet one of those members of Gen Y, by the way.)
My little cousin is definitely smart: She has a degree in Psychology, a certificate in Holistic Nutrition and is a certified yoga instructor. She’s well-spoken, well-read, has seen a bit of the world and has plans to see more.
What makes her different from the stereotypical Gen Y we hear about is that she is barely on any form of social media and she’s already identified that she doesn’t belong in a corporate environment. She’s a nonconformist with a positive attitude. That’s not to say that she’s not ambitious. She’s just taking her time to figure it all out. Until then, she is teaching yoga classes, conducting workshops for nutrition and thinking out her plan to turn her passion into a business. (It just dawned on me that I might not even know the true definition of a “Millennial.”)
As she was energetically speaking, I realized something.
I was looking in a mirror. Well, more at the “Me” of yesterday. She’s me. Or, I was her. Or, am I her? It dawned on me that Darcy is the free spirit that I have always been, but the difference is, she isn’t as scared as I was to choose to live that life. I grew up thinking I had to get my degree, that I must get a corporate job, the big corner office, to be the power-suit wearing big boss lady and once all of that was accomplished, the personal side of life like marriage, family and life balance would just easily fall into place. That was the path I was taught one should have. And so that was the path I followed.
Note, I have had wonderful life experience and have no regrets.
But Darcy speaks with a sparkle in her eyes. She’s admitted she’s broke, tired of living at home and ready to grow up, but she’s not complaining. She wears colourful scarves, windswept hair, natural makeup and Tom’s shoes. She’s grateful for her supportive family. She’s a mentor to her younger sister and has become very close to her mother, despite the rebellion during her teenage years. I realize that I was awed by the fact that I checked my phone more than she did the entire breakfast we were together. She became someone that I can learn a thing or two from. To me, spending some time with her was like breathing in a new, spring time breath of fresh air.
Maybe I feel this way because she is so much younger than I am, and therefore, I apparently know more about life than she. Could it be that I just liked spending time with someone who lives a life completely different from my own? Or that hanging out with Darcy has reminded me that I’m just approaching age 40 and reminiscing life of my twenties? All very big possibilities.
All I know is that this past weekend, I became inspired by a young lady who falls into that category of “Millennial.” I admire her view of life, her outlook on her future and her eccentric bohemian attitude. She’s thankful for her family and friend’s support for her own journey and doesn’t take anything in life for granted.
We’ve all had moments where we say things like “I should have, I would have, I could have….etc.” I try very hard not to think those thoughts, as I am already living the life I want to live. But after breakfast with Darcy, I sort of feel like I did some time travel and met the “Me” that, perhaps, I was supposed to be. I grew up thinking I had to conform to the “norm” – something she’s pretty much scoffed at. And she seems very happy.
Is either way the right way or wrong way? I don’t know.
But what’s right is to follow dreams and listen to your heart. As corny as it may sound, Darcy has reminded me that it’s completely true.
Darcy – Thanks, kid. I’ll be needing (and appreciating) your company more and more as I go along on this entrepreneurial journey. The past few weeks have been a bit challenging as I build my company, but after spending time with you, I feel like I have reignited the flame and have the energy to get going again.
It’s the beginning of a new week, a new season and for Christians, this past weekend of Easter is a new beginning.
Have you started on your new beginning yet?
The Second Assistant 