Although I've referenced what it would mean to be a real grown up often in my life, and have actually passed many of those milestones, I'm not sure I will ever really feel like a grown up.
I know I'm not a kid - kid, and actually am pretty thankful that I'm done with a lot of those emotional growing pains. But when does one really feel grown up?
Lately I've been feeling the pressures of being a grown up more. I've been more stressed, and less spontaneously creative. I've been grumpy, and stuck in my own head. Even though that's not what I think it means to be a grown up, I've definitely been feeling less fun.
I think a big part of being a REAL GROWNUP is having choice.
As a grown up I have a choice to be responsible and experience my consequences of whatever choices I make - positive or negative. I also have a choice to embrace my internal nature, my ability to have fun, and let go of responsibilities for a while.
One of the best secrets I've discovered about being a grown up is that I can still have a toy chest. Back in grad school, I would pull it out often, and explore the wonders of play. Lots of people think that adult toys need to be more expensive or sexual in nature, but those aren't the ones I'm talking about here.
Some of my favorite items in my toy chest (or in my case my Rubbermaid tub) are a marble run set, hungry hungry hippos game, sock'em boppers, Mr. Potato head, and a coloring book. There is something so nurturing to my spirit in the act of play, especial play with other adults. Plus, my nieces and nephews love my toys too.
So if you have time this weekend, I'd encourage a good long bout of play. It does wonders for the soul. Feel free to let me know your favorite way to embrace it!
I know I'm not a kid - kid, and actually am pretty thankful that I'm done with a lot of those emotional growing pains. But when does one really feel grown up?
Lately I've been feeling the pressures of being a grown up more. I've been more stressed, and less spontaneously creative. I've been grumpy, and stuck in my own head. Even though that's not what I think it means to be a grown up, I've definitely been feeling less fun.
I think a big part of being a REAL GROWNUP is having choice.
As a grown up I have a choice to be responsible and experience my consequences of whatever choices I make - positive or negative. I also have a choice to embrace my internal nature, my ability to have fun, and let go of responsibilities for a while.
One of the best secrets I've discovered about being a grown up is that I can still have a toy chest. Back in grad school, I would pull it out often, and explore the wonders of play. Lots of people think that adult toys need to be more expensive or sexual in nature, but those aren't the ones I'm talking about here.
Some of my favorite items in my toy chest (or in my case my Rubbermaid tub) are a marble run set, hungry hungry hippos game, sock'em boppers, Mr. Potato head, and a coloring book. There is something so nurturing to my spirit in the act of play, especial play with other adults. Plus, my nieces and nephews love my toys too.
So if you have time this weekend, I'd encourage a good long bout of play. It does wonders for the soul. Feel free to let me know your favorite way to embrace it!