Maturity

GROWING UP

Developing into mature adults takes longer for some people than others. This is especially true of children who are left to take care of sickly parents. This can mean some are prematurely advanced to adopt a level of maturity whereas some of us who never really have to adopt this responsibility, don't achieve a level of maturity even after becoming parents ourselves.

Age doesn't really come into it, but reaching my 40's has meant for me, I'm finally starting to mature. Growing up and being a mature adult doesn't necessarily require us to be responsible for others, but does require a deeper understanding of ourselves for better understanding other people. This is where maturity starts to grow.

Little things like being more mindful of how we impact each other, like always being punctual and addressing our bad habits etc. can be the first stages for reaching maturity. The bigger changes will occur as we become more more flexible in our thinking and willingness to accept other people and their ways of doing things. Self knowing is the best gift we can give to humanity.

Regroup

TAKING IT EASY

There comes a point where we have to look at ourselves in the mirror and be realistic to the fact we're not getting any younger. The days of feeling invincible have passed. Try as I might to deceive myself - I'm approaching a mid-life point where it's inevitable that I will get worn out if I keep the 25 year old's lifestyle going like I have been. Burning the candle at both ends and partying like an irresponsible 40yr old can take it's toll and that's why I'm having some time out to take it easy.

Missing out on the fun
I'm telling myself this today, because this time last year I was already on my second day of fun at the Glastonbury festival. So, I'm justifying to myself that it's better being at home this year - but really I'd like to be jumping around in a large Somerset field with 200,000 revellers!

I've been lucky to have this 6 month period of looking after myself. The days of waking and feeling refreshed have far outweighed the tired and hungover ones felt in 2015 so far. So while it would have been fun at a festival this weekend, I recognise it's been a full-on few years of over-revving the engine. I never thought I'd admit it, but it's been a good decision taking my foot off the gas. I've never coasted in the slow lane in my life before. Maybe it's a maturity thing, or maybe I know that there's always another party to be had just around the next corner...!