Growing up

We all feel that once we have celebrated our 18th birthday, we have become an adult. But have we really?

Being an adult means a lot of things. For example, as basic as being responsible for one's physical and mental health. But what many of us are doing is simply abusing ourselves both physically and mentally. It’s like misusing nuclear power to destroy the world rather than building it. Note that the Sun is a nuclear reactor. :)

In today’s times, as soon as someone starts talking about being an adult, many people report anxiety and panic. Becoming an adult is fun and stress-free. It brings power, respect, joy, and freedom.

What one needs to understand first is that being an adult means having the ability to take responsibility for oneself and others around us when they need us.

One of the biggest causes of discord in relationships, be it spouses, partners, parent-child, or families, is that we do not behave like adults. We actually behave like children. On the contrary, our definition of love itself is that one who loves us will take all our tantrums and shit. If the other doesn’t take it, then we say, "Oh! You don’t love me enough!" 😂

The hard reality is that if one is behaving like a child, then the counterpart can either be in a child mode or at best can be in parent mode.

Love can happen only among two adults. The rest is simply fulfilment of dependency, which doesn’t bring joy to anyone involved.

Is being an adult really so difficult? In fact, not.

Instead of feeling overwhelmed, if one simply starts taking responsibility bit by bit, setting small goals every day or week to take responsibility for oneself, then being an adult becomes a fun journey. Take responsibility for your own body, health, and mind.

Simple things that you can start doing right away to really grow up rather than only growing old.

Take care of your closet. Fold everything neatly and keep it well. Develop a habit of finishing what you started by folding your own sheets and quilt.

Learn about what foods bring nutrition to you. Put only what is nourishing in your body.

Work out. Your body can’t function without exercise.

Plan and organize your time. This is your biggest asset.

Sleep early and wake up early. Your sleep between 11:00 pm and 3:00 am is when your physical and mental battery gets charged. Sleeping at any other hours is like sucking on an empty bottle.

Take care of all your bodily functions. What goes in and what comes out. And what’s happening in between. Are you comfortable after eating? Or are you sluggish or bloated? Anything off means you have eaten something that doesn’t go well with your body.

Understand that your body is not the same as another body. You are a unique combination of DNAs, even if you were born as a twin to someone.

Take care of your mind. There is no chemical or broom to clean your mind. The best method to clear is meditation. There's no way out. Running away from meditation is not going to help you.

Lastly, growing up is a slow and steady process. Rest assured, if you start right away, it will take some time. Keep at it.

Remember, Growing old is compulsion, Growing up is a choice!