I used to be terrified of growing up. The future was some unknown oblivion that terrified me, more and more with each passing day. And the older I got, the more I missed being young, the way I never questioned who I was and the way that I saw the world. But what I have learned is that you don't have to let go of your innocence. My own mother is 50 years old and takes on the world with more spunk than most kids I know. Just because you grow up doesn't mean you have to give up feeling young. And here are five ways to do just that.
1. Embrace Change
Time is a scary and baffling thing. Nothing stays the same for long, but it is important to accept transitions as they come. Everything about your life will eventually change, but what never changes are our memories and who we are because of those memories, and those can stay the same even if the world around us is constantly changing.
2. Make Impulsive Decisions
Do something every once in a while out of pure impulse—ignore your brain and act with your heart. Remember being 15 and not caring about anything but being young and having fun? Tap into that once in a while.
3. Hang Out With Childhood Best Friends
Nothing reminds you of what used to make you happy and makes you feel like a younger version of yourself than the people who knew you when you were growing up. Your stories and good memories not only tie you together, but they keep you tied to who you were during simpler times.
4. Throw It Back Every Once In A While
Look back in your old diary, listen to a CD you haven't heard since you were 13, watch your favorite movie, look at old photos—nothing preserves the good parts of being young like a little nostalgia.
5. Make Fun A Top Priority
It is important as we mature to recognize the importance of responsibility, but we also must keep fun times, relaxation, and enjoying life a top priority. Make time to be with friends, take vacations, and always make the most of every situation.
It is impossible to avoid getting older, but those of us that are lucky can find a way to stay young through our entire lives.
