Growing Up

Someone said to me the other day “When are you going to grow up?”  Now I wasn’t sure whether to take this as a compliment or an insult!  Maybe it is because I am about to turn 50 but refuse to let the number of years in my life rule what I do in life!  I was also so stunned that I didn’t ask them what they meant.

I like trying new things!  I don’t tend to do things that are scary or very adventurous and I don’t wake up every morning thinking “Hum, what can I try today?”  I am curious and I question things, I don’t think that is so wrong.

What is “growing up” anyway?  Does that mean that we have to stop enjoying new things in life or are we just supposed to do things of a sedentary nature?

Have you ever noticed, I mean really taken notice of a child at play?  I’m talking about the child who is not sitting in front of a computer or television but actually playing.  They may be playing with others or they may be by themselves, but the joy and the laughter are unmistakeable!  We as adults don’t do that enough.  Children never lose their curiosity but we as adults tend to accept things on face value.

I know we have the world’s responsibilities on our backs, but some of us have forgotten how to laugh and enjoy life.  Happiness and joy must come from within not from external factors that we hope will make us happy.  Nothing should tell us that we can’t keep that child like happiness within our own lives.  Yes we have bills to pay and believe me that is something that I stress over daily.  But I also believe that it is important to have fun in life.

Ursula K. Leguin, an American author said “As great scientists have said and as all children know, it is above all by the imagination that we achieve perception, and compassion, and hope”.

If growing up means I have to stop trying new things in life, or being imaginative, or being curious, then I never want to grow up!  My body may realise that it is close to 50 but my brain still thinks I am much younger!  I will continue to attempt new things, be curious, questioning and to try to have a belly laugh at least once a week!