"You need not be sorry for her. She was one of the kind that likes to grow up. In the end she grew up of her own free will a day quicker than the other girls."
— J.M. Barrie (Peter Pan)
Mortality has given growing up a bad rap. Young people die too (that is indeed an awfully big adventure awaiting us all) however not growing up will not change that fate for anyone. There exists an endless list of reasons why staying young seems to be the ideal including maintaining innocence, avoiding responsibility, and having the time (and energy) to climb trees. Fair enough.
There is nothing wrong with maintaining a youthful attitude while embracing the changes in both lifestyle and mentality that come with becoming an adult, but to tenaciously clutch onto childhood seems unnaturally counter-productive.
People who lack confidence, self-security, priorities and enthusiasm about their own futures may feel the need to buy themselves “more time” to reach their goals – this is an impossible thing to do because time is definitely not for sale. There are those people who have lost so much in their lives that the future seems to only hold more losses – there is too much opportunity and beauty in the world to dwell on ephemerality. Regardless of the source of this Peter Pan complex, age will happen to everyone.
Time is relative and everyone moves at their own pace. Make growing up easier: accept responsibility, set ambitious goals, forget vanity, do what you love, don’t pretend to be enjoying yourself when you’re not, and don’t stop the ones you love from growing up (or pressure the ones who want to be left behind to catch up).
No one knows what the future holds, that’s a no-brainer, but I am eager to reach my prime. The last year has taught me diligence, patience but most importantly, self-confidence. I can for the first time admit to my accomplishments, sacrifices and take pride in the work I have done. I’m nowhere near done growing up but I feel it coming and I’m looking forward to it. My changing interests and priorities will no doubt be met with insolence and resistance but I have faith and trust (no pixie dust) in my future. Without judging those who wish to live in Neverland, I must admit that I don’t see the appeal of resisting the inevitable unending age everyone travels through or the responsibilities that coincide. Besides, I’ve always been more of a Captain Hook fan.
0 comments:
Post a Comment