I remember those times as a child when life was simpler; times when the only thought that consistently raced through my mind was creatively crafting plans and excuses to avoid going to bed early. What about the times where we cried when beaten and ran back to the arms of the same person, usually our parents, who caused the pain to console us? Can we remember going to school and making friends with all, regardless of skin color, gender, religion, or cultural differences?
As I write this, I am forced to take a trip back memory lane, and this produces a myriad of emotions. Back to those days when we lived in the moment, free from any responsibilities whatsoever. Those were some of the good old days, days we approached the world with so much innocence and saw the beauty in all we met.
What happened that changed all this? You may immediately reply that “life did!” And you would likely be right. I guess we had to grow up and face the harsh realities of life. And as we grew, responsibilities appeared like unwelcome strangers, weighing on us with all their might to the point of exhaustion on some occasion. Sometimes, I find myself wishing that we never had to lose our innocence and sense of wonder. That we ultimately saw the world in the eyes of a child. However, if wishes were horses, beggars would ride.
I think growing up is much more than a steady increase in age. For me, it means taking up responsibility for every action made, both the good and the bad. Growing up means that we will face challenges that will push us hard against the wall, some even as far as leaving us bruised, which we have to figure ways out of. However, with time, you will also discover that while some challenges solve themselves with time, some will make you stronger and wiser, with the lessons that come with them.
Growing up requires you to make hard choices in your relationships with people, which determine the compromises and sacrifices that will be allowed. You will realize that time is a precious gift and become more conscious, making it only available for things or people that are worth it. Your circle becomes reduced, and you realize more clearly those who are there because they want to be and not because they are forced to be there.
Finally, in all of this, I think we should not forget to live instead of merely existing. Let us still make time to do those activities that made us laugh with reckless abandon; those little things that made us release our inner child to the fore. At the end of the day, life is too short not to make the most out of it.
To comment on this, kindly input “admin” as the username and password if a prompt requests for this. This shows for first-time comments only.
Love,
Diane
