Growing Up.

“Lollipops turn into cigarettes. The innocent become jaded. Homework goes in the trash. Mobile phones are being used in class. Detention becomes suspension. Soda becomes vodka. Bikes become cars. Kisses turn into sex. Remember when getting high meant swinging on the playground? When ‘protection’ mean wearing a helmet? When the worst things you could get from boys were cooties? Dad’s shoulders were the highest place on earth and mom was your hero? Your worst enemies were your siblings..race issues were about who ran the fastest – war was only a card game? The only drug you knew was cough medicine and wearing a skirt didn’t make you provocative? The most pain you felt was when you skinned your knees, and goodbyes only meant until tomorrow? And we couldn’t wait to grow up..”

This may be true.. but why does growing up have to be viewed in such a negative light? What about all of the opportunities growing up provides us with? So, with the Christmas season coming up, exams wrapping up, and the real world looming in the distance, the stubborn Generation Y - born - Aries in me retaliates with the following:

Forks turn into chopsticks. The inexperienced turn into the wise. Homework becomes the piece of work that could land you a job. Mobile phones prevent you from getting lost. Detention doesn't exist. Pop is something we rely on to keep us awake, or mix with our favourite alcohol. Bikes become the environmentally-friendly way to travel. Kisses turn into first loves and life lessons. To some, 'getting high' still means swinging on the playground... When 'protection' means having knowledge that the world is scary, but that it's still possible to feel safe. When the best thing you can get from boys is commitment and genuine emotion. Dad's shoulders carry the weight of the world and mom is still there to wipe our tears and kiss our 'boo-boos'. You outgrow your 'worst enemies.' Race issues are slowly being overcome. War provides opportunity for change. The drugs we know now can save lives. Skirts can be classy and professional. The most pain you felt is when you let yourself down, and 'goodbye' is simply having the courage to move on.

So as I approach the new year, I do so with positive thoughts, a calm mind, and a confident attitude. The future provides opportunity. "If you get a chance, take it. If it changes your life, let it. No one said this would be easy, they just promised it would be worth it."

-Satisfy my Soul