Growth is an organized process that denotes an improvement in the diverse stages of development towards maturity over a period of time. This may be surprising, but did you know that we are constantly growing. We grow mentally, physically and spiritually every day of our lives. Despite the fact that we all (speaking of myself and others like me) dream for immortality, at some point in our lives we must realize that life is not some fantasy game where the characters seem to go for ages without aging (or changing their clothes).However, this does not mean that there needs to be a rush to growing up. For every fruit there is a season, so for each and everyone of you there is no need for you to force the fruit to ripen or the flower to bloom because we all shine at different times in our lives. Force ripening can be hazardous to the psychological, physical, mental and social health of the person being pressured into a stage in life that their biological makeup was not prepared for. Growing up is already enough of a stressful period in the lives of adolescents adding more stress related factors can lead them into early depression, reckless decision making, substance abuse and bad habits which can result in detrimental outcomes. Consequences that could scar them for life or wounds that can never be healed much less leave a scar.
Parents (Dads in particular), friends, classmates, or even party #2 within your new relationship often try to force you into growing up regardless of how you feel about it or if you are ready to take that ascension into adulthood. Do not take that dive if you are not ready for it. Childhood and Adolescence is a one time gift that once lost cannot be retained. Be pragmatic when making decisions a never forget that there is always a word known as No. If you give in to these pressure factors you will have to be the one to bear all the consequences that will surface after. Giving in means giving up the crown of 'you rule you' kingdom to external forces; you will no longer be the one to dictate your life because you would have given up that right and ownership to someone else and I sure know that your mothers and your fathers never raised you to become property of someone else or to be someone's source of amusement.
Never lose sight of who you are and never allow someone else to make critical decisions for you; because at the end of the day the only one to suffer will be you. So keep being true to yourselves and be who you are.
Peace out!
