Maturity Means Refinement

To be quite honest I have been rather upset lately. I've been letting the little things get to me again. Frustratingly enough we are guilty many times of not practicing what we preach. I will repeat what I have said before, these blog posts are just as much for my benefit (if not, more), as they are for those of you who take the time to read them. Anyway, we are in a constant struggle to not only correct our mistakes, but to stay on a path that prevents us from repeating them. It's part of growing up. I'm not a teenager anymore even though, at times, I can act like one.

I talk a lot about growing up. I think there are some misconceptions about my intentions. I do not write the things I do to chastise those around me, I merely point out the observations I make about what I feel the general consensus is. If I notice the immaturity of several people (myself included) I will more than likely say something about it. But what is immaturity/maturity? People, I think, have the wrong idea as to what is meant behind these two words.

For me, immaturity can be denoted by ones' unwillingness to grow. It could, however, be characterized by ones' inability to make key life decisions or lack of interest in personal well-being. Some forms of humor may be deemed "immature" by the public, but I am under the impression that humor does not always directly reflect ones' level of maturity. I think in order to mature properly and healthily, one must maintain their sense of humor. It makes you, well, you. Some of the most mature, responsible adults that I have met in my life still maintain a sense of humor that allows them to still laugh at seemingly childish or immature humor. Growing up doesn't mean that you must become a dried up old prune, it means that you can commit to the decisions you make and be responsible. Many times as you mature, your judgment will be tested. Truly mature people will seek out the best answer to fit their needs, whereas an immature person may be easily swayed and persuaded. Tossed to and fro. Notice the difference.

I hope you can understand the point I am trying to make. We all need to grow up. However, we don't need to dry up. True wisdom must be accompanied by a sense of humor. Don't lose what makes you, you. Merely refine who you are. If someone tries to tell you to grow up because you have a sense of humor, tell them to grow up and get one. "Become even as a little child." I believe that statement to include personality. Don't let life and a false sense of being "grown up" dry you up and destroy that special part of you that makes you different.

Grow up. Don't dry up. Accept others for who they are.

T.