In Which I Bid My Twenties Adieu

The clock behind me ticks away each remaining second of my twenties, an audible reminder that I'm inching closer and closer to a whole new decade of life. I find myself in a juxtaposition of wanting to hang on to my twenties, and the seemingly allowed naivete and youthfulness associated with them, while also being [nervously] excited about the years ahead and what unforeseen possibilities and maturity and growth may come with them. Each tick of the clock brings with it a different flood of emotions, yet also the reality that though a part of me may want to remain in my twenties it just will not happen, I will be thirty in a matter of minutes. It seems only fair then that, at a time such as this, a farewell is delivered.

Farewell to the years that solidified lifelong friendships.
Farewell to the years that educated me the most, both inside the walls of a classroom and beyond them.
Farewell to the years that found me living in six different towns, three different states, East Coast, West Coast, and somewhere in between.
Farewell to the years of first "real" jobs, short-lived jobs, active jobs, desk jobs, split shift jobs, and overnight camping kind of jobs.
Farewell to the years that took me up and down and all around in my faith.
Farewell to the years where I learned how to deepen relationships, with family and friends, and to adjust to the changing dynamics.
Farewell to the years that led to being more comfortable in my own skin, more capable of dismissing undue expectations.
Farewell to the years of falling even more in love with simple pleasures.
Farewell to the years where I pushed myself to try new things and experiences, refocused on past interests, and came to realize what captivates me and brings me joy.
Farewell to the years of first experiences with dating (oy vey).
Farewell to the years that bit by bit, shaped and molded me, and matured me as best they could.
Farewell to these years, for all that they were, for who I am as a result of them.
Farewell, my twenties.

And. . . hello, my thirties! Welcome. What should we do together?