In life, we often find ourselves caught up in the whirlwind of responsibilities, expectations, and the inevitable passage of time. It’s easy to lose touch with the essence of our true selves amid the chaos of adulthood.
Recently, I came across a wonderful quote that resonated deeply, reminding me of the feelings I experienced when I turned 60.
“I am still every age that I have been. Because I was once a child, I am always a child. Because I was once a searching adolescent, given to moods and ecstasies, these are still part of me, and always will be… This does not mean that I ought to be trapped or enclosed in any of these ages… Far too many people misunderstand what ‘putting away childish things’ means, and think that forgetting what it is like to think and feel and touch and smell and taste and see and hear like a three-year-old or a thirteen-year-old or a twenty-three-year-old means being grown up. When I’m with these people, I, like the kids, feel that if this is what it means to be a grownup, then I don’t ever want to be one. Instead of which, if I can retain a child’s awareness and joy and ‘be’ fifty-one, then I will really learn what it means to be grownup.” – Madeleine L’Engle
These words struck a chord, transporting me back to the innocence of childhood, the curiosity of adolescence, and the uncertainties of young adulthood. It made me realize that every phase of life, with its unique emotions and experiences, contributes to the person we are today. We carry aspects of our past selves woven into the fabric of our present being.
However, the quote also sheds light on a common misconception – the idea that growing up means discarding our youthful vitality and imagination. Many misunderstand the concept of ‘putting away childish things,’ assuming it signifies abandoning the ability to perceive the world with the wonder of a child. But when I contemplate this notion, I am inclined to disagree.
I vividly remember the mixed emotions I felt when I turned 60. There was a sense of accomplishment and wisdom that came with the passing years, but there was also a fear of losing touch with the vibrant, youthful spirit that resided within me. Yet, the words I stumbled upon reassured me that embracing maturity doesn’t mean stifling the childlike wonder that still thrives within our hearts.
Maintaining a child’s awareness and joy, even as the years advance, allows us to grasp the true essence of being a grownup. It enables us to appreciate life’s simple pleasures, find delight in the smallest of things, and approach challenges with the resilience of a young soul. By retaining this childlike perspective, I believe we can navigate the complexities of adulthood while preserving the innocence that makes us who we are.
So, as I continue my journey through life, now 64, I am still determined to embrace all my ages – the child, the adolescent, the young adult, and every version of myself that follows. I strive to live with the awareness that these stages are not separate entities but interconnected experiences, memories, and emotions.
Essentially, I am reminded that I am not confined or defined by any specific age. Instead, I am a beautiful amalgamation of all the ages I have been, and I cherish each one of them. As the quote suggests, I am learning that being a grownup is not about abandoning my inner child but integrating it into the person I am today, making me whole, authentic, and endlessly curious about my world.
Praise to my childlike Angels within me and all around me, Elizabeth
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Elizabeth Ellames 