The transition that exists in the growing up phase sometimes takes us by surprise. And that surprise has the tendency of leaving a lasting impact.
One time, my sister remarked that my ‘growing up’ was quite sudden and impressive, but she also felt it changed me kind of— making me quieter than I formerly was. I’m not exactly sure how accurate that is, but yes, such things happen.
Growing up in this context simply means maturity of mind, as well as responsibility.
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Few days ago, I was talking with one of my younger friends/daughter, lol, and she told me of how they were putting up Christmas decorations and she didn’t feel as excited as she usually would be. “…I love Christmas…” She told me. She said her mom said it’s probably just her growing up. And then she threw me a question, “does growing up come with less joy?” Phew! That’s one deep question.
Often enough, I— just like I’m sure you have as well— have observed that a lot of people after hitting adulthood tend to become so unhappy. It’s true that a lot of things could sap the joy out of you, but it doesn’t always have to be so. So for most people, growing up does come with less joy. That sucks, and no one should ever have to feel less joyful while in that transition process.
At some point, I have felt that exact same way too. I became less excited for my birthday even though it’s one of the most important days in a year for me. I began to see it like just any other day in the year, which comes and goes. Infact for a while, I saw being excited over my birthday as childish (wonder where that thought came from).
I know not everyone attaches such importance to their birthdays, but I bet you also have that one thing or more which gets you excited, makes you feel alive and indeed, feel like a child again. Don’t ever lose that.
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It happens. Not that growth comes with lack of joy, but sometimes your mind tricks you into believing you’re too old for some of such things. It makes it look like it’s petty to be that excited.
But here’s the thing, if you cannot grow up and still be excited about some of these little things,when life hits hard, you’d soon realize you’ve become a really bitter person and you’d wonder what happened.
So, get intentional. Do what you can. Anything really, till you get your vibe back or ensure it’s never lost. One thing I started doing to restore the whole euphoria I have for my birthday was to do a countdown. From December 1st, my countdown intensifies.
PS: it’s exactly 14 days left now.💃💃
Also, be reminded that growing up does not come with less joy. And being serious or responsible doesn’t connote bitterness.
Be a child again; live free. This, however, is not a call to irresponsibility. Quite the opposite actually. It’s an admonishing to find your balance, especially as a grown up. Take up necessary responsibility, but don’t let it deter you from being a child.
Joy in the little things; they give you strength for the big ones.
Cheers to steady growth.
Sending love and light your way,
Zoey.
Zoey 