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- Growing up, I struggled to understand my younger sister’s carefree attitude. Now, I can admit she was onto something. (businessinsider.com)
Big Sister Learns Life Lessons from Younger Sibling: Riding the Wave of Adulthood
It turns out that sometimes, the student becomes the teacher, even when you’re the older sibling. Emily Bruck, a recent college graduate, is discovering that her younger sister, Casey, currently studying abroad in Australia, holds the key to navigating the often-stressful waters of adulthood. What was once seen as a stark difference in personalities – Emily, the “Type A” planner, and Casey, the embodiment of spontaneity – has evolved into a surprising source of wisdom for the older sister.
Growing up, Emily admits she always assumed she’d have all the answers. She recalls meticulously planning outfits for family vacations while Casey seemed unbothered by such details.
This contrast led Emily to believe she had “things more figured out.” However, the post-graduation period has brought with it existential questions and a sense of being lost, prompting Emily to look back at her childhood with a new perspective.
While Emily obsesses over her future and the minutiae of her résumé, Casey’s calls from Australia paint a picture of living life in the moment. From swimming at the Great Barrier Reef to enjoying “mundane” avocado toasts, Casey’s carefree attitude and trust that “everything will work out” have become a guiding light for Emily.
Emily reflects on how she once struggled to understand Casey’s seemingly effortless success in subjects like math or her “cool as a cucumber” demeanor in stressful situations. At 15, the idea of admiring Casey’s approach to the world would have been laughable. Yet, the pressures of adulthood have led Emily to question her own perceived wisdom, realizing that “age doesn’t equal wisdom.”
Now, calls with Casey are a vibrant reminder of how Emily wants to live. Hearing about her sister’s adventures helps Emily to “regain trust in the belief that things happen the way they’re supposed to.” When anxiety spirals, Emily pictures Casey confidently strolling Bondi Beach, embracing life without taking it too seriously.
A recent text exchange perfectly encapsulated Casey’s philosophy. In a moment of stress, Emily vented to her sister, who responded with the simple yet profound advice: “Just ride the wave,” adding, “good things are coming and not to lose hope. You are doing everything you can and nothing less.”
Inspired by her sister’s wisdom, Emily is now actively trying to “ride the wave,” allowing things to unfold naturally and believing in her own efforts. This shift has led her to prioritize creative work that brings her joy and dedicate more time to connecting with loved ones, including her temporarily long-distance sister. It seems that for Emily, the path to a calmer, more present adulthood is being paved by the unexpected lessons from her younger sibling.