Have you ever stopped to ponder, what truly defines an adult? Is it just a number, an age that we reach, that crowns us as adults? Or is there more to it than meets the eye?
Our society is wrapped up in a distorted definition of adulthood. There is an unspoken belief that being an adult equates to abandoning the child within us. We’re constantly reminded to act mature, to put aside ‘childish’ whims and fancies. But, do we ever question why? Is being childlike so terrible?
Yes, with age comes responsibility, rationality, and sensibility. These are the traits we need to navigate the world. But somewhere in the race to adulting, we are shunning our childlike curiosity, imagination, and the boundless joy we once embodied. The playful spirit we carry as children, it seems, is being swapped for a more solemn, sombre attitude.
Why do we label irrational behavior as childish? And in the process, why do we lose the magic of seeing the world through the eyes of a child? Isn’t it our irrational hopes and dreams as children that lay the foundation of our daring, creative, and innovative selves as adults?
Societal expectations, it seems, have put a hefty burden on our shoulders, insisting we follow the blueprint of adulthood. How then do we break free from these societal shackles?
At fifteen, I was thrust into the realm of ‘adulthood’ by circumstances. A financial crisis in my family demanded me to step up, make decisions that even some grown-ups would flinch at. I wasn’t an adult by society’s standards, but I took on the role anyway, because life demanded it.
However, what I quickly came to realize was that growing older doesn’t mean you have to fit into the stereotypical definition of an adult. It’s okay to laugh out loud, chase dreams, be silly, and watch cartoons, play games, even if the world tells you it’s ‘childish.’
Being human means to grow, learn, and develop empathy, all while understanding the impact of our words and actions. But it also means to retain our childlike wonder, our sense of adventure, and the joy of playfulness.
Life is not about mindlessly moving from one responsibility to another. It’s about relishing each moment with childlike enthusiasm. Let’s keep our hearts ageless, embracing the wisdom of aging, but never letting go of the delight of our inner child. Watch those cartoons, play those games, let your ideas flourish, because these are the sparks that ignite creativity, not the monotonous cycle of a 9-5 job.
In conclusion, don’t let the societal perception of adulthood rob you of your childlike spirit. We’re meant to age, not to lose ourselves in the process. Let’s redefine adulthood, shall we?
