As spring break comes to an end, I finally have the time to reflect on what I did; the majority of my trip I was surrounded by kids. This probably isn’t everyone’s ideal way to spend the week, but I had a blast. Aside from the classics like “hide and go seek” and “freeze tag,” my pupils created their own games; their imaginations and creativity played a huge part in my cheerfulness. After having the time of my life racing up and down on the field playing flag football, becoming a shade darker from jump roping in the sun and growing tired after five minutes of activity, I’m reminded that I’m not a child anymore. With that thought running through my mind I’m immediately saddened; my adulthood is not as fun as my childhood was. Why can’t we as adults possess that same ingenuity and it be accepted and appreciated?
The number one thing we’re robbed of as adults is our creativity. We go from having out artwork hung on the refrigerator door at home to being made feel inadequate if our opinion doesn’t match everyone else’s. We can’t express too much joy without being accused of being immature or acting childish. We’re judged and criticized until we eventually fall into stereotypes and turn into bland clones.
When you’re a child everything is simple; you’re uninhibited, every accident is excused, and every mistake is forgiven. We’re forced to trade that in to fit into categories based on religion or beliefs, political affiliations, social class, race, etc. Basically everything becomes complicated and systematic. We lose our individuality the moment we turn 18.
As a child everything is fun and an adventure, but over the years you begin to see the consequences and are held accountable for things that were once overlooked. We’re pacified over the years, and then WHAM! We’re served a heap of responsibility with a side of demands.
Some of you may be reading this thinking we don’t have a choice about growing up; we have to mature. I agree. It’s unavoidable and some experience it sooner than others; it is the curse of adulthood. I’m not saying everything post childhood is awful and there aren’t enjoyable moments, you just have to make the transition from child to teenager to being grown. There are limits to your level of fun. You could chug chocolate milk and the worst you’ll do is suffer a tummy ache as a child, but if you chug alcohol as an adult you could end up in jail.
There’s absolutely no way to put off aging, but there doesn’t have to be an end-all be-all. When was the last time you jumped on a trampoline, jumped rope or played kickball? How many people took advantage of “snowmageddon” and built a snowman or had a snowball fight? Gather your closest friends and go to the park, go bike riding or visit your Disney and Pixar movie collection.
We have the rest of our lives to be responsible adults, take advantage of your youth while you still can. Raise your juice boxes in the air and scream “I will not conform!” In all seriousness, after you finish paying your bills, make sure you reward yourself. Treat yourself to your favorite dessert. There’s no pressure. Now excuse me while I put on my onesie footed pajamas and finish watching Mulan.
