I recently found myself back in an environment that I grew up in. The emotions that I found fluttering inside of my body can be summed up by nostalgia. I felt a tinge of sadness when I saw younger friends doing what I did and remembering the smiles I gave whenever I went to this place and did what they were doing.

This all reminded me of a song by Taylor Swift. Now, before you abandon this article, here Taylor out. I have this CD in my car, and there's one song on her album that isn't about love and guys. It revolves around a family aspect and growing up. Now, as a girl who tends to hold onto things longer than one should, the idea of being in sort of adulthood and ending childhood is somewhat terrifying. However, this song helps.

"Never Grow Up" opens with the innocence of a young person. Swift talks about how the world seems to be so much calmer and peaceful when you're young. You haven't been touched by heartbreak. You haven't really made mistakes. You simply exist. Bliss, really.

The song then moves through the natural stages of life. Becoming a teenager brings, "impurities." You experience love and all of the ups and downs that come with it. You might become less loving towards your parents because you, at the time, want to make your own decisions. You want to be an adult.

The final verse incorporates the feeling of longing. You're an adult. Here you go, you're making your own decisions. You're in your new environment, and mom and dad are no longer right there to coddle you.

My only issue in this song is that Swift repeats the idea to, "never grow up" and this, to me, gives a false idea to children. Yes, growing up brings hardships and can seem impossible. However, it's going to happen, and you just have to take it and work with. There's a reminder in the song to take all the feelings of your childhood (touch, sound, smells) and to store those in your memory. Remember them because they'll be what you want when you're feeling a little lonely.

Childhood is special. Everything is so pure. You're eager to take on life. Your choices are made to learn something. You laugh more. You smile harder. Your relationships aren't as messy.

I am so thankful for my childhood. My family was always there to help me when I needed it. They were the perfect balance of guidance and letting me learn for myself. With hardship, they showed support and with achievements they showed generous words of encouragement.

So, anytime I find myself longing to be a child again and even a high school student, I have to remind myself that life won't wait. I'm no longer a little child. It's time to grow up and remember that you can always bring what you've learned in your childhood with you.