I don’t know what you think, but I’m not convinced that anyone knows when one hits the magic ‘grown up’ status. Is it a particular age? Is it automatic? How do you know what it is when no one can really define it? That magic achieved grown up status is individually defined and since it rarely is, then one can declare (to oneself) grown up status is attained whenever one desires to do so.? And… is it really that important?
The older I get the more I ask myself that last question – a: is this possible (defined as, is it worth it) and b: do I care? The answer to a: is… it depends on your definition of ‘grow up’ and the answer to b: is – depends on the moment, but basically I think I’m as grown up as I need or want to be. As long as imagination and creativity aren’t hampered, then growing up is a plus. But, I think ‘growing up’ is an add on. And it’s all about presentation.
How you present yourself to the world seems to be the main ‘judge’ as to whether you are grown up or not. Somewhat arbitrary to my thinking. Let’s face it – we all do/say stupid things at times which would give lie to the ‘grown up’ status. There are so many aspects that really go into a definition but if I had to define the status I would say that the primary indicators are: do you take responsibility for your own actions? How do you relate to others? What do you do when face with a crisis? And, what’s your attitude about…?
For me, a great component is how I look at learning. I know I am not the source of all wisdom, never will be so I can never grow up in this area. It doesn’t mean that I should stop learning, discovering… quite the contrary. When it comes to wisdom you have to continuously ‘grow up’. I should also add – speaking the truth in love. Truth and love are mates and you can’t separate them for your own advantage. I suspect that much of what I would include can be summed up in one word – character. What is and how does that present your you?
