6.17.20 // This is me

This is me.
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Looking like an adult and yet, feeling like a child.
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Re-learning, re-understanding, re-evaluating.
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These verbs are often associated with children and young adults, "learning, educating, understanding," but in reality, as humans, we never stop doing these three things.
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But, why is it that as we get older, re-learning and re-understanding become so much harder?
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We joke about grandparents who are stuck in their ways. However, as folks who have lived longer than us and seen millions of changes, why are they "stuck in their ways?" At what point in our short timelines here on earth are we allowed to just say no to change, to conversations that challenge our beliefs, and to admit we are wrong?
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The answer is: never.
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We cannot shut out the world. We cannot choose to shut down conversations of differing opinions and we cannot refuse change.
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To actively refuse change would be like paddling up the river of life. Tireless, pointless, the oars chaffing your hands and the rapids pulling you under.
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To ignore change would be like floating the river of life. Sure, you're going downstream and maybe you're not drowning, but you're letting the rapids take you and you're likely to get stuck on a rock.
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To celebrate change would be like paddling down the river of life. Taking control of your boat. You're listening to the guidance of others, unafraid to correct your ship, but taking on the rapids with joy and excitement for the unknown.
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So, where are you on this river of life?