When I was little, I couldn't wait to grow up. It always seemed like adults got to do the coolest things ever-- they could eat whatever they wanted, go anywhere they pleased, and didn't have to listen to anyone else. My parents always knew everything, too; they had the answers to every question in the world, and they never had to cover their eyes during certain parts of movies or leave a room when an "adult" conversation came up.
As I've gotten older and reluctantly inched my way into adulthood, I've realized that being grown up isn't quite what my younger self imagined it would be. Sure, being independent and making your own important choices is great, but it can also be rather daunting. With my last full month of college looming over me and the unknown world ahead, part of me misses being having nothing greater to worry about than what toys I wanted to play with on any given day.
That's why I still try to hold onto whatever bits of my childhood I can. I may look like an adult on the outside, but really I'm just one big kid. Maturity is a flexible thing, I've found-- sure, it's important to act your age when you need to, but why not enjoy the more carefree parts of life when you can, just like you would have when you were young? There is more than enough evidence to show I'm still a child at heart-- can you relate?
1. I hoard stuffed animals.
There are few greater weaknesses I have in the world than my obsession for stuffies. The picture above is just the small army I have on my bed at school; there are many more friends stashed back home. I've loved stuffed animals for as long as I can remember, and every time I see them, they lift my spirits. They also make fabulous cuddle buddies, and I always feel a little safer when I can snuggle up with them at night, like I'm a tiny child again relying on her favorite tiger named Stripey for protection. Every kid had a favorite kind of toy back in the day, and mine still sticks beside me even now that I'm older.
2. I watch cartoons.
Yes, I know they're supposed to be for kids, but that's part of what makes cartoons so fun. There's generally something lighthearted and free about a lot of cartoons that doesn't really exist in "adult" TV shows. "Steven Universe" is a prime example of this (as you might be able to tell by the fanart I did for it up above), but there's also so much more to admire about cartoons than just the silliness. Many of them have incredibly in-depth stories, like "Avatar: The Last Airbender," and feature characters so complex and relatable that you carry them with you in your heart forever. Sure, anime is supposedly the "adult" version of Western cartoons, but if you ask me, no show or movie should be dismissed simply because it's animated. Cartoons teach important lessons to the youth and provide nostalgia for everyone, and I think that alone makes them worth watching.
3. I reread all my favorite book series.
I really wish I could've taken a picture of my bookshelf at home for this one, but luckily I did have one "Warriors" book with me, so it'll have to do. Series like the "Warriors" books and "Harry Potter" were some of the biggest parts of my childhood, back when I actually had time to read for fun instead of just for class. I have shelves upon shelves full of these books, and every now and again I like to blow the dust off them and reread some of my favorites. They always take me back to when my life was a little simpler, when things like magic and fiercesome clans of forest cats seemed possible. It's always fun to go back to an old series with a new perspective and find things you might not have noticed about them when you were younger.
4. I laugh at everything.
My sense of humor is about as immature as they come. I've always been an incredibly giggly person, and pretty much anything can get me going, even in moments when I'm supposed to be "acting my age." You could tell me the most intellectual joke in the world or make a pun about farts, and I can guarantee I will laugh at both. I like to think that's the part of my childhood spirit I've hung onto the most. Being able to laugh at the world around you makes everything seem a whole lot brighter, and it helps me get through the rough patches in my life.
5. I call my mom to help me make important decisions.
Let's face it, one of the scariest parts of being an adult is decision making. There are just so many problems I'm facing now that I've never before encountered in my young life. If I need help figuring out what the heck I want to do when I graduate, who can calm my mounting anxiety? Mom. If I need to know how to cook one of my favorite meals from home, who can walk me through the recipe? Mom. If my sink breaks and I want to try and fix it, who's handy enough to help? Well, Dad in my family's case, but I can always call Mom, and she can put him on the phone. The point is, my mom is always there when I need a hand, and even if I like to pretend I'm all grown up, I'm still her baby. The world is a frightening place, and sometimes I just need Mom to help guide me through it.
No matter how old you are, I think it's important to embrace your inner child. Many kids don't see the problems in the world, not really. Everything is an adventure when you're young. In the face of all the stress we adults have in our daily lives, I think it could do us some good to step back and remember that sometimes, you just need to have fun.
