I Don't Know About You, but I'm NOT Feeling 22...and I Think That's OK.

Today is my 22nd birthday.
I was supposed to be spending it with friends  (and nearly half of the Fordham University Class of 2014) on spring break at an all-inclusive resort in Punta Cana. However, due to my recent spat with both mono and strep, I have made the mature decision (humbly bragging) to stay home and give my body the rest and  recuperation it needs so that I can finish my last semester of college in good health and  on a good note (GPA-wise). 
While I am confident in my decision to do so, I am trying desperately to ignore the FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out..for those who don't know) that often occurs when I opt out of just about any event.
Regardless, this week at home has left me with  a lot of silence, and a lot of time to think  and analyze...  and analyze some more, as I tend to do.  (Lord help me. It's only Tuesday.)
What I have come up with thus far is this: I am 22 years old, I don't know how that is possible (try your best not to roll your eyes at me all you 25+ folks..I know that's still young),  and I'm scared.
What I have realized, further, is that I don't think I am afraid of the number, necessarily, or the aging, for that matter, but,  rather, everything that the year of 22 symbolizes for someone in my position.
It means no more college. It means seeking employment. It means trying desperately to figure out exactly what it is I want to do and be. It means very possible disappointment.  Scariest of all, it means change.
Of that, I am certain.
I think this would all be less scary if I knew what, exactly, this change was going to be. But I have absolutely no clue. 6 months from now - I don't know where I'll be, who I'll be with, what I'll be doing. Or...I hate to go there but it must be said...if I'll be back to living at home for a while as many young graduates seem to be forced to do these days.
However, despite all these unanswered questions, I am quite sure of one thing - everything I'm feeling is completely normal and ok. Not only this, but when all is said and done, I will be absolutely FINE - better than fine. My job is simply to have faith in my strengths,  work as hard as I can to make others have faith in them too  and let the pieces fall where they may. Life always finds a way of sorting itself out -    this must be repeated to oneself over and over again.
I also know this - the times in my life that I have thrived the most,  been happiest and grown in the most positive ways have the been the periods when I was going through the most change and was the furthest out of my comfort zone.
I have learned, in my 22 (just barely) years, that  the power of positive thought and energy cannot be undervalued. So, I am going to try to  ignore not just the FOMO but, also, the fear of the unknown this week... and every week of my 22nd year in this crazy, wonderful life.