Growing Up

A professor of mine once said in class that someday my classmates and I will wake up one day and realize that we're 30. Guess what? He's correct. I just realized that I'm in my 30s. It only seems like yesterday when I was in school, not worrying about work, bills, diabetes, high blood pressure, cholesterol, and other grown up stuff. But everyone must grow up and face the real world, right? We can't be Peter Pan. So, how does one grow up? I surfed the internet for answers. Here's what I've found so far:

How to Grow Up – Become financially independent; Become emotionally independent; Realize that life isn't fair; Take responsibility for yourself; Control your emotions.

I’ve added comments for each item:

1.) Become financially independent - Find work. Start a career path. But don't forget your parents once you start earning your own money after all they are the ones who sent you to school, gave you allowance, prepared your meals, washed your clothes, and gave you a roof above your head. Although it is your parents’ obligation to love, care and provide for you, it is always nice to show your "utang na loob" and gratitude for all the good things they've done for you. If you're still living at home, you can pay part of the Meralco bill or buy the groceries (shampoo, soap, toothpaste, coffee and the like) when it is your sweldo. Your parents will appreciate that.

"Honor your mother and your father that your days may be long in the land that God gives you". That's the only commandment in the Ten Commandments with a promise.

2.) Become emotionally independent - When we were kids we would report to our parents whenever other children tease or bully us. When we grow up, we must be able to deal with issues on our own.

3.) Realize that life isn't fair - Yeah, shit happens. By the time you become an adult, you should have realized that. Losing one's house, getting kicked out of school for trivial reasons, being alone and not having a girlfriend, people being mean to you for no reason, they are part of life. The key is never to feel down because of such unfair circumstances. Get back on your feet and overcome such obstacles.

4.) Take responsibility for yourself - Own your mistakes. Stop blaming others for your plight. Accept responsibility and learn from your mistakes. You're only human and humans make mistakes. No one's perfect you know. What is important is that you don't repeat your mistakes.

5.) Control your emotions - I must admit I have a problem with this one. Temper tantrums are for kids only. They're not appropriate for adults. If you must vent your emotion, do it in a calm and respectful manner.



References:

http://www.wikihow.com/Grow-Up
http://www.ehow.com/how_2083243_grow-up.html
Wikipedia

Notes:

"Growing Up" - a song from the Bagets movie soundtrack performed by Gary Valenciano
"Growing Up" - a Filipino youth-oriented series aired on GMA Network from 1997 to 1999.