Why Growing Up Feels So Strange

In this pre-birthday episode, I talk about the strange in-between space of growing up — that feeling of being not old, but not young either. I reflect on what getting older means to me, how birthdays feel different as an adult, and why slowing down before entering a new age matters more than we think.I also share the cultural differences between celebrating birthdays in Indonesia vs. the U.S., my Sweet 17 experience, and the hilarious confusion around who pays the bill here. And of course, I talk about the pressure of being 24, the unrealistic expectations placed on young adults, and how everyone’s timeline is different.This episode is a warm diary-style conversation about aging, nostalgia, cultural identity, and embracing the messy but beautiful process of becoming yourself.