Growing Up
What does growing up mean? There are interpretations that reach similar conclusions. And most of them end up in the the concept of forming a family. But is that all about growing up?
I don't think so.
This is a topic which is recurrent, especially in the core of a family. Parents talk to their children about growing up several times every week. It's like reminding them that someday something else would be expecting from them.
And whatever that might be, it is supposed to change their lives completely. At an early age, children don't listen too much. But then, some of them start feeling the pressure of that "inevitable thing" they don't know anything yet.
Assuming responsibility
The most recognizable trait that can be found in a grown up person is assuming responsibility for the decisions made. This is something that many people overlook. They don't even think about it and look for excuses, never admitting their mistakes.
Naturally, it is sometimes a matter of pride. But because of that, any person can't grow as a human being. It also gives a bad example to others, and diminish any qualities he/she already has.
There's nothing more regrettable than to going on blind, believing that every action we take carries no consequences. And that's a strong sign of immaturity.
Not losing the essence
Another thing about growing up implies that you have to change who you really are. I don't agree with that. I've seen people who were happy in their youth, and when they enter adulthood, they embrace the statue of depression.
This is very sad. And most of the time this change is influenced by others who constantly talk to them into giving up some of their habits and hobbies. They, in a way of "correcting certain attitudes", suppress that essence that make some people unique.
It also leads the affected ones to give up on their dreams, and get comfortable to what they already have. They stop at improving, and simple get used to what life throw at them instead of going after what they dream of.
Instilling
Passing knowledge to others mirrors growing up. And not only from parents to children. You don't have to be one to help anyone become a better person each day. What matter is that you feel that it's your duty to leave something valuable behind.
Teachers do that whether they're a parent or not... because they have a classroom full of children. And beyond their responsibility of teaching, they feel that their existence right there in front of their students is to help move them upward through the ladder of development.
Other people in other fields also pass their wisdom to others provided they are related or not. For me, it is the natural feeling of sharing. To have the pleasure to know that we have contributed in the progress of someone else.., to see it growing and expanding.
In conclusion, growing up involves much more of what is normally discussed. It's not something merely related of being a parent... because that wouldn't have any substance. Obviously, people have different interpretations. And they are entitled to what they believe. But I always think that we always have to look things from all angles to get close to the appropriate perceptions.
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