I guess I’ve needed therapy this whole time. I can’t seem to put this book down and I’m relating to each and every one of this psychologist’s clients, all in which, are twentysomethings. I’ve cried with empathy for Kate when she went out to eat with old friends, only to realize that they all had something going for themselves while she had no real accomplishments. I felt for Helen when she said she was having an identity crisis that left her unsure of what she wanted to do. I related to Talia who wished her life looked better on Facebook like everyone else who seemed to be “getting married, having babies, and saving orphans”. And I pitied Ian, who wanted something different that didn’t involve sitting at a desk from nine to five. Meg Jay’s twentysomething year-old clients were remarkably reminiscent of at least one twentysomething that I, in my real life, call either family or friend. I know many twentysomethings, including myself, who sometimes battle with these thoughts of feeling overwhelmed by choices and unmotivated by reality. Being able to sit in on each one of her sessions has been much like sitting on the phone listening to a conversation with a friend about life, except now with expert advice, statistical research, and viable results. If you’re participating in our little book club, then you know that yesterday marked our first Defining Decade milestone where we have now completed reading the forward, preface, introduction, and work section. Meg Jay doesn’t take the approach of telling you the “high school – college – career” pathway to success but instead opens your eyes to the importance of capitalizing on all in which you are passionate about, with or without a college degree. Since reading the book, I’ve now purchased a portfolio full of resumes to keep in my car for weak ties, have signed up to participate in events that’ll add to my identity capital, and am now creating my short list of jam flavors. I’d elaborate more on what that all means, but that’ll just give the book away. Being more informed about how to narrow down my dream career list, how to increase my chances of getting into a career I’m interested in, and how to network better is already making me feel more excited about claiming my twenties. From now until next Wednesday, we’ll be reading the section titled “Love” and it’s not too late to jump on the bandwagon. The preface and introduction are available online here for free and the book itself retails used/new for $5-$15. Here’s the video trailer that went viral.
But don’t take my word for it! I was so stoked when I saw this tweet roll in from BK the other day! I didn’t even know she was participating in our August/September Read so it was super exciting and motivating to see that someone couldn’t put it down! She’s one of the first girls to have written me saying that she’s already finished the book. – Further confirmation that this book is the truth. I’m looking forward to claiming my twenties in an intentional way to ensure a better tomorrow.
