At what age do you REALLY grow UP??

I’ve always looked younger than my numerical age and unconsciously did not act my “number”.  That’s not to say that I was reckless, irresponsible and all the rest of it.  My parents raised me well I feel.

As a kid I was naughty until I entered first grade and as I grew into adulthood, I learned the need to become independent and self sufficient.

On a personal level I never felt compelled to create the “standard” life of getting married, kids, and white picket fence. That’s too predictable and boring.  Most likely I would have run away at some point because I would have felt trapped in something that was not mine to have.

So yes in these “terms” I have not grown up.  I liked the freedom to move and do as I pleased.

But in 2015 on the morning of Tuesday 21st July when the phone rang at 01:10 things changed forever.  Mum rang to say that there are problems with dad. 

Dad decided it was time to go, and he passed away from a heart attack in his sleep. 

For the first time in my life, I realized that I need to be the “adult”.  It was instantaneous growing up moment.  The year and half that followed was hard and a massive learning curve.

But the life skills that I learned over the years have come very handy.

I might have been vulnerable but I was not weak.  I had to deal with some property matter that dragged for more than a year which was beyond my control (a very shitty tenant to be exact).

I had to deal with various service providers.  And as a new family unit we had to readjust for life without dad.

Until recently, I wasn’t able to articulate what it means to be an adult.  It was a concept that is so foreign to me, and on a construct level the pieces were not fitting.  Not that I was worried.  I knew things will fall into place with time.

Now when I have conversations with people over death and loss, I do refer to that time frame as the moment when I became an adult.  I might be one with regard to work, financial responsibilities, and relationships but I never lost the youthful approach I have to life. 

We might be adults but we don’t have to stop being big kids at heart.

Being kids at heart keeps us young on the outside.  We look at things with immense amount of curiosity and trust.

We learn to explore new areas of our being.  Our fears and levels of uncertainty also change with that process. 

We all heard the saying 5 going onto 40, but I prefer the flip side of it. 47 going on 27 – that kinds of sums me up.  I think this is also the reason why age brackets keep on shifting. 

It is hip now to be in your 40’s, 50’s and 60’s.  So many men and women are stepping up into their own power and authenticity.

Yes, the numerical age is being redefined into real accomplishment, achievements, and status quo redesign.  It’s no longer about age!

I believe when we stop thinking of ourselves as adults, we actually have the freedom and peace of mind to conquer everything that we set out to do. 

There is time and place for being an adult, but overall we seriously need to lighten up and enjoy the learning we have so that we live life to the fullest before we leave the earth plane!

Blessings

Xx Batia