Don’t box in too soon

I agree with you. I don't know why 18 either. You're not being weird either. Hopefully, if you're a student of life, you'll question things until the day you die. Don't lose the curiosity. It keeps you young and forever growing.

Next, I applaud you for your self-awareness. I don't think I was cognizant of such things until my mid-twenties. With that segue in place, be organic with your age and growth. Don't feel like you need to morph into a 'someone' that you aren't even sure you'll like being. You are correct to actively treat your age as a benchmark. Because in ten your current self will be a derelict memory.

Despite the state of affairs in our world today, make the next 10 years whatever your dreams ask for. Don't hold back. And DO NOT ask for permission. Do it. Jump off the cliff. Take whatever metaphor or analogy you like and make your own choices. And you'll either love the decision or learn something from it. Either way, it'll tell a story to share and experience to build on.

Happy belated birthday. And good luck.

Oh! and have some fun too.