Adulting, According to John David

Everyone has been a child before, but not everyone has been an adult. So adults are figuring out how to be adults just as much as we’re figuring out childhood.

John David

John David is a vibrant young man with the drive to do big and daring things. As the CEO of Jade Consult, and a passionate writer and speaker, he shares his own experience of adulthood. He recently began his National Service in a school based in the Eastern Region—a decision he made independently—and is currently faced with the reality of living alone. So, help yourself to some doses of insight. Enjoy!

Adwoa: Hello John, I’m pleased to have you featured on this post. In one word, summarize how adulthood has been so far.

John: Thanks for the opportunity, Adwoa. Hmmm, in one word, I’d say my journey as an adult has been interesting.

Adwoa: At what point in your life did it dawn on you that you’re an adult?

John: I wouldn’t say it has fully dawned on me that I’m an adult, but it has dawned on me that I’m growing. Even if I’m an adult physically; mentally, financially, spiritually, and psychologically, I’m not yet an adult in the full weight that the word carries. Part of the reason I’m doing my NSS where I am is so that I can enter into the full experience of adulthood and discover what it means to me.

Adwoa: Growing up, what did you imagine adulthood would be like?

John: Growing up, I thought being an adult meant you could do anything you wanted, anytime you wanted. I used to wonder why my parents didn’t visit their friends often, why they had to call before going to someone’s house. I basically thought adults got to eat and do whatever they wanted. I didn’t understand the concept of budgets and restraints, or the invisible rules and regulations that tie adults down.

Adwoa: What’s your earliest memory of realizing independence wasn’t just freedom, but responsibility?

John: I can’t think of the very earliest memory, but I do remember that during my time at university, I realized my parents allowed me to go out because I had earned a certain level of responsibility. I had shown them I could be trusted to some extent. I don’t know if that counts, but yeah.

Adwoa: What two values or habits are mandatory in adulthood?

John: For habits, I’d say discipline and consistency. For values, honesty—and if prayerfulness can be considered a value, then yes. If not, I’d go with love.

Adwoa: Did you ever think adults had it all figured out? How has reality challenged that?

John: Yes, I thought they had it all figured out. But as I grew, I realized that wasn’t the case. Everyone has been a child before, but not everyone has been an adult. So adults are figuring out how to be adults just as much as we’re figuring out childhood. They’ve passed that stage, so they can tell us how it was. Interestingly, I now understand why people used to say, “hey I’ve been where you are before, so when I speak, you better listen.” Right now, in my position talking to students, I get to say that a lot. It’s funny seeing them make the same mistakes I made—and could have avoided.

Adwoa: What role does your faith play in your life as an adult?

John: My life is in my faith. I don’t have a life outside of it. Where I come from, we’re taught to build our lives around the vision of God, so much so that every provision is within that vision. I believe everything I do and am is encapsulated in what God has for me.

Adwoa: Nice. What’s one daily routine that helps you stay sane as an adult?

John: Prayer. Apart from that, there’s nothing I can do daily to keep me sane. When I don’t add prayer to what I do, I find it difficult to have a clear mind.

Whew, thanks John for these gems. Do you also want to share your adulting experience? Just hit the comment section or holla at me in the chat box and let's make this happen. Until the next post, keep calm and enjoy adulting. Peace out!