This past month, I was able to spend the weekend in New York City with my cousins. We had a blast, as we always do! One night, as I was putting my cousins to bed, I realized how old I had gotten. Now, I'm only 18 years old, so be sure to take that into consideration when I say "old." I sat in a chair overlooking the big city while little eyelids closed as my cousins fell asleep. They had spent a long day playing and even saw a Broadway show.
As I sat there, I reminisced about the times I shared with my cousins growing up when my biggest problem was running out of milk in my sippy cup. Everyone told me college would be the "best days of my life," and while they have been a blast thus far, part of me wishes I never grew up. Here are the seven reasons why I wished I had never "grown up."
1. There was always someone bigger right behind me
Literally. Whether I was just learning to walk or couldn't reach something on the top shelf, someone was always standing behind me, ready to catch me if I were to take a tumble. Figuratively as well, I could always run to someone bigger when someone was being mean to me or the game didn't go my way. Not to say they always agreed with me but, I knew I could turn to someone bigger whenever I needed to.
2. Playing all day was my job
I miss waking up every day, eating breakfast, and going outside to play. There were always kids outside that were down to play whatever game our little brains could imagine. I remember playing outside until the street lights came on, reminding me that it was bedtime until the next morning when the cycle would repeat again. It never crossed my mind that one day, I would play outside for the last time...
3. Food was always ready
Whether it was breakfast, lunch, dinner, or snack time, food was always on the table. Now, sometimes I don't even know when my next 5-minute break is to shovel food into my mouth. We had a schedule for the most part and when I said "I'm hungry," someone bigger was always there to help. Probably one of the reasons I was such a large child but, we will save that conversation for another time!
4. My parents kept track of my schedule
When we forgot something, it was never my fault. If we were late, I could blame them again. Now that I'm responsible for my own schedule and I can drive myself wherever I need to go, there is no one to blame but myself.
5. Summertime meant playtime
Unfortunately, summertime doesn't mean playtime anymore. Instead, it means work, work, work ( so I won't be in as much debt after college). Don't get me wrong, summer is still my favorite time of year, but surely not as much fun as it used to be.
6. I didn't have to do much for myself
Looking back, as I was growing up, I craved independence. I wanted to walk to the bus stop alone, bathe myself, brush my own teeth, and pour my own milk. I couldn't wait for the day that I could be a big girl and do everything for myself. Now, the things I would give to go back and relive those moments are infinite.
7. Someone always tucked me in at night
Bedtime was never fun. I had serious FOMO and being the youngest, I always had the earliest bedtime. However, being tucked in every night by both my parents is something I didn't think I would miss, until my first night alone in college...
It seems to me that everything these days is just so rushed. As humans we are never satisfied. We always want to be bigger, be stronger, be bolder, be older, and so on. However, what we really need to do is learn to live in the moment. Spend time reflecting each day and be grateful that we are here, alive, on this earth. Stop rushing everything and live in the moment. We will all get older with time but until then, I will continue to live "the best days of my life."
