5.26.21 // being an adult

Have you seen the meme (or some variation), "I no longer wish to 'adult'."
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I love this and every time I see it, I think "FINALLY! Great! Let's chuck this expectation to 'adult' out the freaking window!"
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The societal expectation that comes when one becomes an adult, quite honestly, sucks.
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The unspoken book that is handed to us after we finish our teenage chapter is strange, often full of repressed emotions, silenced dreams, and quieted creativity.
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But, we still follow the adult rule book, and there is a strange "otherness" that comes from other adults if you choose to chuck the book out the window. (One point of clarification- I am not saying we should chuck responsibility or what we need to survive in this world out the window, just to chuck their societal defined expectations/narratives out the window).
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But, if there is one thing I'm desperately trying to do as a way to build my own path, is lead by example and pull folks close who are trying to do the same, releasing others who silently judge without questions or conversation.
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I actually have two really rad role models in my life who have successfully thrown the adult rule book out the window.
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My dad, my step-mom, Brenda, and their group of friends. They call themselves the seen-agers (senior teenagers).
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Now they haven't always been child-like in their living, but over the course of the years, they have all found each other with a need and want to see the world differently, child-like. They hold each other with mutual respect, understanding, and admiration to live life like children or rather teenagers.
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They have fun, they joke, they travel, they celebrate each other, playfully make fun of one another, and hold each other accountable to stay present.
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And while I don't have a photo of the seen-agers together to share, this is the most carefree photo I could find as a reminder to chuck that damn adult book at the window!