Since today is my first double-digit post, I figured I'd talk about milestones. Turning double-digits is probably one of the first fairly major milestones that we all remember. It's a pretty big deal since the majority of us don't break the triple-digit threshold. Life is full of milestones, some age-related and some in other areas. Turning 16, 18, and 21 are all pretty big ones. Graduating high school, graduating college, getting a job, getting married, having kids. The one thing all of these milestones have in common is the fact that once you reach one your life will change pretty drastically. Each of these carries its own responsibilities and rewards, but they all change the way your life will be until you reach the next one. And some of them are optional (obviously not the age-related ones), so the amount of responsibility we each take on is under our control to some extent. This doesn't make any of us better than anyone else because we take on more responsibility. Sometimes it takes more strength to put off a milestone than it does to take it on.

I've been reaching a lot of milestones in quick succession recently, and sometimes it can be overwhelming. But this evening I had a conversation with my mom on the phone and she reminded me that although it is hard right now and feels like I can't do it sometimes, I can do it and I will be stronger for the experience. It's shaping me into the man I'm supposed to be, and that makes the challenge feel so much more worthwhile to me. Thanks for being supportive of me through all my milestones no matter what, Mom. I love you.