Shifting Perspectives Of Growing Up

The notion of growing up is truly fascinating and funny if you think of it. If I recall correctly, at the age of nine, I believed I was a grown-up, capable of deciding which classes to take and what to learn. At twelve I considered myself independent enough to watch a movie in a theatre alone. By the time I turned 14, I thought I had grown up and could travel on my own. At 18, I was convinced that I was old enough to independently choose my career, despite the advice of elders.

By 22, I deemed myself old enough to get married and earn a living. At 25, I felt prepared to start a family and support a life. At each of these stages, I considered myself grown up, ready to take on new roles, responsibilities, and challenges, and believed I was mature enough to make the right choices.

However, a shift in this mindset occurred when I reached the age of 40. This was when my girls were ‘old enough’ to share a laugh with me and found me cool enough to go on a shopping together. It was then that I fully realized how young I was. I understood that I was still young enough to dress as I want, make mistakes, young enough to run and dance and young enough to trek the Himalayas. As I continue to age, I am delighted by the fact that I am young enough to enjoy a carefree spirit even at 50, young enough to laugh like a teenage girl, young enough to relish senseless talks, watch faltu movies, and be with friends. I am confident that this sense of ‘young enoughness’ will grow as I age, allowing me to try new things, learn new tricks, embrace life, and start afresh at every new juncture.

Is feeling young, a part of growing old?

So let me know what  ‘the young’ and ‘the old’ think of this .