Growing Up

"I don't want to grow up!"

Every person has had this mentality at one or several points during their lifetime and it's completely understandable why anyone would feel that way. The lack of responsibility we enjoy when we are younger is a pleasant vacation in comparison to the responsibility burdened on our shoulders as we age and start making our own way in the world. I sometimes think about how nice it would be to return to the past for a day, a week and relive some of my fondest memories. The thing about the past is that what has happened stays there and we can't return, for better or worse. This can be quite depressing but we have to learn how to cope with it because we only lose more as we get older. Think about it. When you are younger, the worst trauma might be that your friend is moving away from you. Later on, almost all of your friends move away as high school draws to a close and college begins. Then you move away from your college friends and into the workforce, only to realize that you hardly have time to see all the people that you used to see on a consistent basis. This is enough to spoil even the best of moods but rest assured, this is something that everyone has/will experience.

This is part of growing up. The reason we don't like it is because it is hard and it can be downright depressing. Take college for example. One is reluctant to go to college at first because it is a new experience and they have doubts about their ability to fit in, college path, etc. By the end of their degree however, they will be reluctant to leave as they have gotten used to the lifestyle, the people, and the location. They will be reluctant to enter the workforce where everyday is 8 hours of drudgery that never ends until retirement. It is not an appeasing lifestyle so why bother growing up if it means being miserable?

This is a secret between you and I but it doesn't have to be! Yes, Growing up is hard and it is uncomfortable. We are basically thrust into situations where we have serious consequences if we fail, but that is how we grow. I think back to who I was at the beginning of my time in college and I thank God, Allah, Zeus Almighty that I am not the same person. It has been a painful ride, and any kind of growing will be a painful experience. It is necessary in order for us to grow as individuals though and it shouldn't be stopped at any point in one's lifetime. If we are not striving to be better people on this earth, then what are we here for?

Growing up is painful and difficult. Like Frodo and Sam on the way to Mordor. One day you may be wading through marshes full of shit, and another you may be enjoying a nice break with the captain of the guard. I challenge you not to see growing up as an undesirable step that you're forced to take but rather as a new opportunity to meet new people and start the next chapter of your life. A little bit of hurt now will lead to twice as much happiness down the road if you stick through it.

So keep your head up, never stop growing, and I guarantee that you will have a full life story.