There are two types of extremes when it comes to how people view growing up and entering adulthood. There are those who dig in their heels at the mere thought of growing up and giving up their childhood, much like Peter Pan and his Lost Boys, and then there are the "Mr. Darlings" who grow up as they are told and hold others to do the same when they reach that ripe old age of "I am not a child anymore." Of these two extremes, who is truly "lost?" For these next few minutes, allow me to be your Peter Pan and let this article be your pixie dust.
Adults are all lost boys and lost girls just waiting to be found. When you think about it, adulthood is really a mix of being told and accepting that you are too old for certain things, and also secretly wanting to remain the child you once were. Why do we accept a number telling us what we can, and cannot do? Can't you remember a time when you believed in magic? You believed that a fairy godmother would come and turn you into a princess, or that a letter would arrive and tell you that you were a wizard and would be attending Hogwarts, or that if you left your window open a boy and his shadow would appear to escort you to Neverland. Just because you reach a certain age does not mean that the wonder, hope and imagination you had as a child has to die and be forgotten.
Becoming an adult does not mean completely abandoning your childhood and all of the memories that go along with it. Cherish those memories. The feelings contained in them are true magic. Reliving the pure excitement and faith that you once had can bring you right back to that moment in time and can make you wonder why you ever let yourself stop feeling that way in the first place. Your inner child is forever inside you, hoping that you will let him/her out. If you let them, they may take you by the hand and lead you where you will never be lost again.
We learn most from our childhood selves about what it means to forgive, dream, be hopeful, laugh till your ribs burn, and have genuine fun. As adults we sometimes forget to do all of these things because we are too busy trying to live as society and as a number tells us. We cannot forget these basic lessons. Allow yourself to dream like you did as a child. It's never too late to follow your dreams and let them lead you to new possibilities. Just shoot for the stars, especially the second star on the right. Believe in magic and in the magic inside you. Peter Pan only comes to those who believe, and it just takes a little faith, trust, and yes—some pixie dust.
