Since turning 16, I have been told to grow up quite a few times. At what age should I grow up? I feel that if I am myself then that is all that is needed. Yes, there is a time for being serious, yet there is also a time for someone to be themselves. I am a child at heart and serious when needed so I should not have to change myself.

Growing up should not mean I have to take the fun out of everything I do. I encourage myself to find joy in the simplest aspects of life because I have a limited amount of time. Why be miserable growing up when I can let loose and still be serious at the needed times. Life is full of amazing moments and I intend to take all of them in with a smile. Being able to find happiness in even the saddest moments, I believe, is a sign of maturity. Maturity means that you can grieve, yet someone can still be able to see past the grief.

Does growing up mean I have to be serious and never have fun again? For me to take care of my children one day, I will have to be silly. It is in the job description. Parents need to be serious and kind all at the same time, so if I have kids I will be just as silly as they are to keep them happy. I know I have a difficult road ahead, but if I am happy and take every moment in stride then I should be able to call myself an adult.

Someone who is mature is not just someone who is serious all the time. They can take situations with a smile because they know the world is still turning, and time does not stop for them. Maturity means understanding and doing what is needed, but sometimes having a child-like attitude is the best way to go.