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5 years from now I’ll be thirty. The lines on my face, whether formed through smiling or frowning, tanning or smoking, will begin to present themselves to society as though they are distinguished guests speaking at a public symposium. As they become more pronounced, so too will their love for me; a love that will not be driven away by neuropeptide creams and facial scrubbing kits and diets purely consisting of antioxidizing fruits and vegetables.

5 years from now my life will be even less reversible than it is now. My decisions will solidify hand-in-hand with my regrets, and I will have watched my power over their change ebb with the ticking of time.

5 years from now I will be more apt to consider the word “settling”. As your life progresses forward, your opportunities lessen, and it no longer is about selecting from the best but rather weeding out the worst. According to the NCHS, 5 years will yield 11 million marriages, 11 less eligible bachelorettes, and an increase in single divorcees. 5 years from now I hope to be exactly where I am - happy and in love, but in case I’m not, you’ll find me considering settling.

5 years from now my name will still be Justin. Although a lot can change in 5 years, who I am probably won’t. 5 years from now I’ll still have 2/3 of my life ahead of me and I’ll still be smiling, laughing, and enjoying every second of it. That’s called controlling your controllables, and I dare someone to tell me in 5 years that I haven’t been successful at that.