Looking Back and Moving Forward: Quarter-Life Reflections

We've all heard of a mid-life crisis, and many of us spend years anticipating it. However, there's now a new challenge emerging: the quarter-life crisis.

The quarter-life crisis is a somewhat newer concept. In this phase, you might find yourself constantly worried about making mistakes you'll regret, navigating the responsibilities of adulthood, and mourning parts of your younger self. You may also feel concerned about finding your community, comparing your success to others’, and questioning, “Will life always be this chaotic?”

No, this article isn’t here to dismiss the reality of the quarter-life crisis. Instead, perhaps we can explore how to view this “crisis” as a stepping stone for growth. Let’s take a moment to reflect.

• Instead of focusing on what you’re doing wrong, what are you doing right?

• Over the past year, what are three things you’ve learned about yourself?

• What is your inner dialogue like? When you face “failure,” how does disappointment show up for you?

• At the end of a long day, how do you treat yourself with kindness?

• Are those around you contributing to your kindness, or are they adding to your mental clutter?

• What spaces have you created just for yourself?

These are big questions to consider alone. Reflection can lead to new directions, and now is a great time to start. If you’d like to continue this reflection in a safe, supportive environment, therapy can provide you with a safe space to land.