Maturity

"Growing old is mandatory, growing up is optional." Unfortunately far too many people never end up making the choice to grow up. Too many people allow themselves to go through their entire lives in the perpetual state of being a child. Maturity requires active effort, it requires self examination, and it requires a whole lot of pride swallowing. All too often, when we are given the choice between the easy path, and the right path, we will take the immature route and follow the easy path. In my opinion, those who make the choice to grow up are a very select few. In my life, I've encountered many more immature individuals than grown up adults. However, I will concede that the most likely reason behind this is that I've been surrounded, for the most part, by people who are young like myself. As time goes on, I'm sure many of the less than mature people I've met will change and realize that they need to pursue a more grown up lifestyle. Maturity, as far as I see, isn't a cut and dry concept. People can be mature in some aspects and at the same time immature in others. I believe that I fall under that category. I often get irritated by immaturity, it's just something that I can't help, but I know that a big part of being an adult is keeping a level head, grinning and bearing the presence of immaturity. Maturity is an ongoing process that requires consistent maintenance if the individual desires it. I have to say, however, that I've been a bit of a hypocrite while I've been writing this. I wouldn't consider myself a complete adult in many aspects. I've still got a long way to go on the path of truly growing up. At times I've been selfish, at times I've been lazy, and at times I've stooped to juvenile tendencies that I should have abandoned in my teenage years. Immature as I may be in some respects, the fact that I recognize my own imperfections and areas that I can improve on is an important first step towards true maturity.