In the movie “Hook” Peter is grown with a family and careeer who forgot about Never-land. Is that adulting? I hope not.
What is adulting? Does it mean you can’t play and be silly? Does it mean you have to dress and act a certain way?
When I was a child, I spoke and thought and reasoned as a child. But when I grew up, I put away childish things. 1 Corinthians 13:11 Sometimes children are the most honest and insightful they are guileless. Many adults today have sadly adopted childish reasoning that has led to being selfish or negative behaviors.
Being an adult generally refers to a stage of life characterized by physical and psychological maturity, as well as legal and social responsibilities. While the specific markers of adulthood can vary across cultures and societies, some common aspects include:
- Legal age: Many societies define a specific age at which individuals are considered adults, granting them certain rights and responsibilities. This often includes the right to vote, sign legal contracts, and drink alcohol. BUT it doesn’t include the common sense maturity to make good decisions
- Physical and psychological maturity: Adulthood is associated with the completion of physical and psychological development. This includes the attainment of sexual maturity, cognitive development, and emotional maturity; thinking about consequences of actions thoughts and speech. Some have never gained the emotional maturity nor recognized the consequences of words or actions
- Financial independence: Adults are typically expected to be financially self-sufficient, supporting themselves and possibly others. This often involves securing employment, managing finances, and making independent financial decisions. Sadly, too many have no clue about handling money.
- Personal responsibility: Adults are expected to take responsibility for their actions and decisions. This includes being accountable for one’s mistakes, fulfilling commitments, and recognizing what they can and can’t control. It is standing for what you believe in and accepting others with different beliefs.
- Autonomy and decision-making: Adults have the autonomy to make important life decisions, such as career choices, relationships, and lifestyle. They are expected to make decisions based on their own judgment and values. Unfortunately , in today’s world our judgement is often distorted by media and/or friends. Our decisions are often based on acceptance and inclusion as opposed to free thought.
- Social roles: Being an adult often comes with specific social roles, and expectations such as forming and maintaining relationships, and contributing to the community. Starting a family is not necessarily a social role however treating people fairly, showing integrity and being honest are
- Continued learning and personal development: Adults are encouraged to engage in ongoing learning and personal development, whether through formal education, vocational training, or self-directed learning. It means staying up to date with what is happening in the world; getting the facts and knowing what is true.
If being an adult means I can’t play and be silly; I can’t walk barefoot in the grass or put fun colors in my hair, I have a problem. For me adulting means being responsible for my actions. making decisions, contributing to society, continuously learning, being active , dancing, and enjoying every stage of life my way with no excuses.
Like Peter I want to always dream and imagine, break rules that are limiting and irrelevant, use the good china, have ice cream when I want, wander, explore, daydream and just live life.
What is your version of adulting?
Recent Comments