Right now, somewhere in the universe, someone is growing up. Whether it be through the terrible time of puberty, or coming into their own, or accepting themselves for who they are, each little bit of the changes in your life are part of growing up, I think.
I don't want my thoughts to be discredited by the fact that I'm still growing up myself. But I think I have a decent understanding of how some of it works.
For me, growing up meant hurting some feelings. As a child, I never wanted to make people upset. It was awkward and I was always made to feel selfish and guilty whenever I spoke my mind. This is the reason why while I longed to live with my mother, and told her so as often as I could, I was kept away from her. I couldn't bear to tell the other half of my family that I wanted something other than what they wanted for me. So I suffered in silence. That changed in seventh grade when I made the decision, on my own, to leave. I moved with my grandparents, took on a whole new life. I've never been happier with my at-home situation.
Growing up also meant losing people. I think of it this way: "If you're not losing people, you're not growing up." I lost my childhood best friends throughout my years, I've lost the family I was closest to for most of my life, and more... in exchange for an even better circle of friends and family who cares about me and who I am. Sure I lost people, but now I'm happier with the people I got in return.
Growing up means adjusting to changes, being flexible, adapting to your surroundings. It means letting go, it means learning to budget your energy and not waste your time. It means being grateful, being kind, and being true to yourself. It takes time to learn what all that really means. It could be months, years, or even a lifetime. Honestly, I don't think you ever stop growing up.
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