How to learn from children | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Life Stages

Growing Up by teaching myself how to be a kid

Being childlike isn't the worst thing in the world.

59
Growing Up by teaching myself how to be a kid

Being an adult is hard. I'm currently 20 years old, and everything is hard. Budgeting is hard, paying rent is hard, everything is difficult and costs money. I'm living on my own for the first summer in my life, and yeah, it's hard. But I'm learning important lessons.

The biggest thing I taught myself, is that's it's important to not give up on the things that are fun.

Just because I'm 20, and am legally an adult, doesn't mean I have to give up on the childlike things. In fact, the older I get, the more I appreciate the fun parts of life. I think that's what makes life interesting, and that's what makes everything worth being here. To have fun.

That's been something that took me a while to understand, and I'm only now realizing the importance of.

There's a lot of stress of adult life. So it's important to savor the fun. When going to the grocery store, sometimes you have to ride the cart down the aisle. When shopping for work clothes, sometimes you have to get yourself that t-shirt with the cartoon character on it. Just because I can legally vote doesn't mean I'm not going to buy scooby-doo gummies when I buy my groceries. I'm buying all of this food that I need to cook meals, so why can't I throw something fun in for myself?

That's the real joy of being an adult. You can decide where you go, what you do, and who you do that with. There's little controlling you. So why not go treat yourself to something fun? Why not buy that cute bracelet that looks fun? If it's not going to break your bank, do it!

Childlike things aren't bad, and acting like a kid isn't a terrible choice. Kids have fun, and make sure that they make all of their seconds count. It's a good philosophy to live by. So why should we abandon that when we become adults? Bouncing balls, sleeping with stuffed animals, and playing Pokemon are fun things to do, and aren't bad to continue doing? They're relaxing and harmless. Just because we're over the age of 18 doesn't mean we should abandon the things we like. We can still act like kids as adults.

Just because you're an adult doesn't mean you have to act like one. In fact, you have more autonomy than you ever have had in your life. Your parents may have decided you weren't going to get that water blaster when you were a kid, but you're an adult now. You have the money. So do it!

Life's too short to spend too much time worrying about the small stuff. You should do what you want, when you want. Nobody is stopping you but you. So go out, have fun, do whatever you want, and don't let anybody tell you otherwise.

You are in control of you!

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

11 Moments Every College Freshman Has Experienced

Because we made it, and because high school seniors deserve to know what they're getting themselves into

48
too tired to care

We've all been there. From move-in day to the first finals week in college, your first term is an adventure from start to finish. In honor of college decisions coming out recently, I want to recap some of the most common experiences college freshmen experience.

1. The awkward hellos on move-in day.

You're moving your stuff onto your floor, and you will encounter people you don't know yet in the hallway. They live on your floor, so you'll awkwardly smile and maybe introduce yourself. As you walk away, you will wonder if they will ever speak to you again, but don't worry, there's a good chance that you will make some great friends on your floor!

Keep Reading...Show less
laptop
Unsplash

The college years are a time for personal growth and success. Everyone comes in with expectations about how their life is supposed to turn out and envision the future. We all freak out when things don't go exactly as planned or when our expectations are unmet. As time goes on, we realize that the uncertainty of college is what makes it great. Here are some helpful reminders about life in college.

Keep Reading...Show less
students
rowanuniversitypublications / Flickr

1. "If I'm wearing black tomorrow, it's because I'm mourning my grade."

2. "Do you want to try ordering Chinese takeout to take back to the stacks?"

3. "This final paper has me questioning if this professor just sucks or is Satan himself."

4. "Is that person over there OK? They've been sleeping for a while."

5. "Why are you online shopping?"

"I want to motivate myself to study."

"Since when do you have money to buy something anyway?"

6. "I wonder how much I could make as a stripper."

7. "There are no stress relief dogs, and I feel conned. My stress today is worse than yesterday."

8. "Rate My Professor screwed me over."

9. "I wore these clothes yesterday, and maybe even the day before, but it's fine."

10. "I wonder if I could sneak a beer in here."

11. "I just really want chocolate chip cookies."

students
Sophia Palmerine

Dear High School Friend Group,

My sweet angels, where would I be without you guys. We all grew up together because we either met in middle school or high school and watched each other grow up and get "old." We got to go to prom together and then graduate together. Then watched each other as we continued our lives in college, joining sororities and meeting people who will impact our lives forever. It all has happened so fast.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

College In Gifs

Because we are all sad Jim Halpert

1184
head on desk
Wise GEEK

Oh college, we can’t live with you, but we can’t live without you. It’s a love/hate relationship, really. College is an experience that no one can ever prepare you for, and maybe that’s a good thing. You never really expect any of the things that college encompasses until you are there. College is fun, but don’t have too much fun. C’s get degrees, but they don’t get you into graduate school.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments