Managing Life at 22: Happy, Free, Confused and Lonely at the Same Time
Taylor Swift was onto something, and this episode goes much deeper than lyrics
Whether you are a fan of Taylor Swift or not, it doesn't matter since this isn't about her. It's about how almost every 22-year-old can relate to the feelings she shared in her song "22," about feeling happy, free, lonely, and confused at the same time.
Our A Little Crazy with David Magee podcast co-host Phoebe Goodwin, who's got an excellent newsletter on Substack you can find here, is 22 and managing all those feelings in life transition from post-graduate college student to working adult.
hardly identifies as a Swiftie, but Phoebe, like most 20-something college graduates I know, has both battled and been rewarded by the complicated feelings of significant life transition from youth to adulting. Phoebe boldly goes there on our latest podcast episode, discussing how learning the rhythm of a professional day after four years of college is daunting; how it feels lonely, separating from friends you have so closely bonded with; and how one can feel guilty, feeling sad and lonely, when no tragedy has occurred, and there's so much to feel happy and free about.What's most redeeming about Phoebe's "happy, free, lonely and confused at the same time" in the 22nd episode is the growth she reveals in her work to make sense of it all and grow into the transition.
We rarely get to hear such honest insight and wisdom about life's challenges and opportunities from someone 22, and that's why this podcast episode is an essential listen since most of us have someone in their early 20s in our lives or will soon enough. Also, check out Phoebe's newsletter.
Need a well-being speaker for students and parents?
I know so many of you care about helping our students manage substance misuse and mental health challenges because the New Year has already been busy with speaking inquiries. I've heard from schools on the Gulf Coast, the East Coast, and Tennessee, and it's still the first week of January.
As many of you know, I can't make them all. But when the calendar works, and it's doable, especially if you combine touch points with school counselors, support staff, and parents, I'll work hard to get there and deliver helpful messages and things to build upon throughout the year.
Just send an email to shout@alittlecrazy.com and someone will get back to you.
The traction we get in families, schools and communities with these visits is hard to put into words, but we’ve helped many better manage their hard and at this point have many students who claim it’s helped save them, so, I’m thankful for the opportunity and will always try to make it work.
Among the messages shared with students:
You are not alone, and help is readily available.
It’s important to find and learn from adult role models.
Friends you hang with will determine your mental health success, or not.
Sleep is vital.
You don’t misuse substances for peer pressure but for self-medication — so it’s time to ask or get help to find out, what’s the issue(s)?