This week’s Topic Roulette word is: growing up.

What does it actually mean to “grow up”? Is it a milestone, a mindset, or just something we assume will eventually click?

In this episode of Unpack My Brain, I reflect on what I thought adulthood would feel like — and how different the reality has been. We unpack responsibility, independence, shedding old versions of ourselves, and the quiet realization that maybe growing up isn’t about having everything figured out.

This isn’t about reaching a finish line. It’s about the ongoing adjustment of becoming — slowly, imperfectly, and in real time.

In this episode, we unpack:

• What we imagined adulthood would feel like
• The difference between feeling responsible and feeling grown
• Outgrowing friendships, habits, and older versions of ourselves
• The myth that adulthood is a destination
• How upbringing shapes our definition of maturity
• Redefining what “grown up” means on your own terms

About Topic Roulette

Topic Roulette is a recurring format on Unpack My Brain where I pull one word and let it unfold naturally — no scripts, no conclusions, just space to explore how everyday ideas show up in our lives.

About Unpack My Brain

Unpack My Brain is a personal journal–style podcast where we slow down and unpack thoughts about life, identity, relationships, and the in-between seasons we’re still learning to understand. No advice. No pressure. Just honest reflection.

If this episode resonated with you, follow Unpack My Brain and come back next time as we continue unpacking life — one word at a time.