Arrested Development

I have always thought that my main responsibility is to wake everyday and be an adult.  I mean, I have always thought that.  Right or wrong - the belief is that everyone should do that - be an adult - everyday - all day.  If you were born into our household, this is what was expected, even at early ages.  All of my conscious memory is routed in this belief.

There isn't much to be done about aging into adulthood.  Once there chronologically - you're there.  Poof - 21 and childhood is gone.  It is rare to have the full evolution into adult-like behavior coincide with one's twenty-first birthday.  Most people who have aged into adulthood don't act like adults.  And there is the group who exhibited the traits of respect, maturity, empathy, and wisdom long before the landmark passing of the first two decades.

A staunch adherence to this way of living as an adult is conflicting . All these years later I question:

• Does responsibility stifle creativity?
• Why does relaxation make some of us tense?
• Is play okay if the work is never done?
• What is too serious?
• Could the pursuit of happiness ever be as fulfilling as pursuit of mission?

BUT, on the other hand, if you inhabit the large population of those who refuse to participate in adulthood, listen up:

• There are other people in the world.  Try to consider your impact on those around you rather than thinking only of yourself.
• Your own happiness should not be gained at the expense of others' happiness.
• Theaters were created for drama,  Back to the theaters, all drama queens!
• Listen, practice patience, and respect people.  R-E-S-P-E-C-T.

As for the consideration of emotional adulthood - for those who achieve it long before their age catches up and for those who never achieve it - it is not clear whether there is a right way or a wrong way to live life.  Perhaps there is not a perfect balance of adult and child - not a perfect timing for growing up.  Those who inhabit either group must admit to some aspects of arrested development - making life a little more difficult for all of us.  Whether you need to lighten up or tighten up, it may be wise to work on tolerance. Don't allow your own brand of arrested development to keep you from a shared joy in your daily life.