Growing older is inevitable, but growing up is a choice.
I choose to not grow up.
Some argue that it is immature to not grow up, but I personally do no think growing up has anything to do with being mature. You can grow up and be completely immature about everything. Take Donald Trump for example. He is without a doubt a grown man with power, yet he defends himself in political debates and conferences by insulting and making fun of other people for their looks or beliefs. If this is the case, then it is very clear that someone does not have to be grown up to be mature.
If I am not referring to age or maturity, then what do I mean when I say that "I choose to not grow up"?
It means that I refuse to let the world control my dreams.
I will always choose to see the world in color, never black and white.
I will make every situation an adventure, never a burden.
I will find the fun in every situation I face, even in obstacles.
I will never repress my imagination and I will always welcome daydreams.
I will always walk this Earth with curiosity and a need for knowledge as a child does.
I refuse to let the word "childish" be taken in a negative connotation towards myself.
I refuse to take myself too seriously.
I choose to see and acknowledge the beauty in everything I see.
I will attempt to redeem all dull moments to bright ones.
But most importantly, I will never forget. I will never forget the memories, adventures, friends and stories that make up my childhood. I will never forget the imaginary friends and world that will continue to exist in my mind forever. I will never forget what it means to be a child: to have fun. Because what is the point of existing when you could be living? And to live, you have to have fun. The joy you inhabit in life is from the fun that you experience. The best part about having fun is that it is different for everyone. Everyone has their own definition of the word "fun," but it all comes from experience. More specifically, the experience you had as a child.
Children are the best because all they want is to have fun. There are so many children in this world who are incredibly smart, witty, well-versed and mature for their age. But at the end of the day, they are just trying to have fun. And that is what I want.
We all grow in age. The number will rise, but it is the state of mind that we keep at that age that will determine who we are and what we do. I will not grow up. I refuse to forget. I refuse to let a number restrain me from feeling or experiencing something in a certain way. I want to jump up and down when I am excited. I want to run and spin around without a care in the world just to feel free. I want to skip down main street and take pictures with all of the characters at Disneyland. I want to have fun.
Whether I am 19, 35, 50 or 70, I will do all of those things. Because I will not grow up.
I will never grow up.
