Emerging Adulthood

via xkcd

This fascinating article was published recently in the New York Times. It discusses a breakthrough in developmental psychology; the possibility of a new life stage. This life stage has been coined by Jeffrey J. Arnett as"emerging adulthood" and is said to take place during the 20 somethings.

The article quotes Jeffrey J. Arnett, a professor of Clark University and leader in the movement acknowledging 20 somethings as a new life stage.
In the article Arnett says, [during emerging adulthood] "young men and women are more self-focused than at any other time of life, less certain about the future and yet also more optimistic, no matter what their economic background. This is where the “sense of possibilities” comes in, he says; they have not yet tempered their ideal­istic visions of what awaits. “The dreary, dead-end jobs, the bitter divorces, the disappointing and disrespectful children . . . none of them imagine that this is what the future holds for them,”

According to Arnett there are also many cultural implications that have played into emerging adulthood; " the need for more education to survive in an information-based economy; fewer entry-level jobs even after all that schooling; young people feeling less rush to marry because of the general acceptance of premarital sex, cohabitation and birth control; and young women feeling less rush to have babies given their wide range of career options and their access to assisted reproductive technology if they delay pregnancy beyond their most fertile years," says Arnett.

The article argues that if the life stage of "emerging adulthood" was accepted it could lead to as major of societal changes as the acceptance of adolescence in 1904. Such changes included the institution of child labor laws, increase of available education, and general provision and support for a life stage seen as critical in developing a healthy and adept adult mind.
Supporting the push for acknowledgment of emerging adulthood as a new life stage are the recent discovery's found surrounding the biological maturation of the brain. A longitudinal study of brain development sponsored by the National Institute of Mental Health found that the brain does not fully develop until at least the age of 25 yrs. The article also provides many more insights into the brains of emerging adulthood all focusing on the incredible shaping and molding that occurs during this time of life.


Of all that was said for emerging adulthood in the NY times article I found the discussion on challenges of the life stage the most resonating. Living in a city of emerging adults I hear & feel myself the angst that comes with being in a place of possibilities.

This exerpt from the NY times article describes it well;
"“It’s somewhat terrifying,” writes a 25-year-old named Jennifer, “to think about all the things I’m supposed to be doing in order to ‘get somewhere’ successful: ‘Follow your passions, live your dreams, take risks, network with the right people, find mentors, be financially responsible, volunteer, work, think about or go to grad school, fall in love and maintain personal well-being, mental health and nutrition.’ When is there time to just be and enjoy?” Adds a 24-year-old from Virginia: “There is pressure to make decisions that will form the foundation for the rest of your life in your 20s. It’s almost as if having a range of limited options would be easier.”"

Escape

took a short break today to watch the clip of Toast's autumn/winter collection. breathtakingly beautiful.

Online Shopping for special event

Emmerson made you make my heart jump.

via Emmerson made

Isnt this the most perfect event dress. I love the accent belt and big blue flower. Thinking of all those weddings coming up. :)

via Emmerson made

Skirts should have pockets! .. they also carry this in a gorgeous rhubarb and I cant decide which I like more. A little more casual, but I think I could dress it up enough for a wedding.


Shabby Apple is another favorite online shop of mine. Just so many wonderful clothes and the best part is their prices are budget friendly :)

via Shabby Apple

Something about the bright fushcia in this dress just calls to me. I imagine feeling utterly girlish in this number.

humming away

Angus & Julia Stone - Big Jet Plane from TSL on Vimeo.

Checking in

pic via etsy :kikiandpollys shop

Ive been spending a lot of time enjoying the little things I love like waking up early, running through Golden Gate park/next to SF Bay, Spending sunday's cooking complicated recipe's, listening to new music & this American life podcasts, reading a mystery novel, spending time with friends & family and just simply being.

I've signed up for the Jane run half marathon and have been loving the Saturday long runs. Today was a steady six miles across the Golden Gate Bridge on a clear beautiful spring day. Life is good.

Easter is tommorrow so I've been busy preparing a ham and cleaning the house. Lots to do.

For dinner Im cooking up this soup..mmm a long time on my recipe to make list so Im excited to see how it turns out.

One Cubic Foot

pic via national geographic's Blog Wild

National Geographic photographer David Liittschwager does a series of video's in various eco- systems traking the various organisms that reside in a space of one cubic foot. Check it out here.

Jamie Oliver

This year at the TED convention in Long Beach Jamie Oliver received an award for his work to fight Obesity. TED is a non profit organization dedicated to spreading the word about worth while ideas. In the above video Jamie gives a passionate speech focused on motivating people & industries to change the way we use food in hopes of saving lives from food related diseases that are gripping our society.