We've all been told to "grow up" from time to time throughout childhood.
I never quite listened. Check out this playlist if you need proof.
When people tell us to "grow up," they're really telling us to fall in line. Be like the other kids. Become normal.
Stop standing out. Be more like an average grownup.
And we're demanding that children grow up younger and younger.
Not long ago, I had a fourth grade student attending a prestigious private elementary school.
(Side note...I never thought I would ever find myself using the phrase "prestigious private elementary school"...)
My student was stressed out of her mind because she had mid-term exams. You read that right. A fourth grader required to do mid-term exams.
Where does the insanity stop?!?
The cure is simple. Never grow up. Refuse.
Do mature.
Do cease to be childish.
But dare to be childlike.
Be the best you that you can be. The you that you knew as a kid. The you that perhaps you had to hide away in order to "grow up."
The you that your friends are a little embarrassed to be around, but they love you anyway.
Because a world dominated by grownups is a world that's going nowhere.
And that's really boring.