š Am I Really Mature, or Just Pretending to Be?
I sometimes pretend to be mature.
Not because Iām fake or trying to impress anyoneābut because I feel like I should be. As we grow older, there's this quiet pressure that whispers, "Act your age." But seriouslyāwhat does that even mean?
Lately, I find myself wondering:
Am I actually maturing, or am I just getting better at acting like Iām supposed to have it all figured out?
Sure, my age is increasing. The numbers go up every year, like clockwork. But inside? I still feel like a curious little girlāwide-eyed, hopeful, and playful all the time. I still do crazy stuff around the house and talk to myself in funny voices. Sometimes I even daydream about being a cuddly cat, nuzzling someone I love (even if I donāt have that someone right nowāhaha).
When Iām at work, Iām composed. Iām accountable. I own my words, manage my tasks, and lead with confidence. Thatās part of being a grown-up, right? But once Iām home, that grown-up mask slips off. I becomeā¦ just me.
And that me doesnāt always feel like an adult (Iād say almost, haha).
Maybe itās because Iām single, or I donāt have kids yet. But maybe thatās just a tiny part of it.
Maybe maturity isnāt about age, marital status, or checking certain boxes in life.
Maybe itās about learning through lifeās messesāfalling, growing, and being better the next time.
I think being mature doesnāt mean we have to stop being silly or soft. It means we carry the lessons of our past experiences with usāand we use them. We respond, not react. We take responsibility. We choose better, even when itās hard. And weāre still allowed to be soft, goofy, emotionalā¦ human.
So noājust because I still laugh at silly memes, or want to be babied by someone I love, doesnāt mean Iām immature.
It means Iām whole.
Strong and soft. Logical and dreamy.
A grown-upā¦ with a young heart.
And thatās okay.
Because Iām not someone who lashes out when Iām upset. I try to stay optimistic, even during tough moments. Iād rather make a silly joke than escalate an argument. Thatās how I survive. Thatās how I protect the happy soul in me.
"Learn to act as if nothing bothers you."Some days, I try to live by this quote. But honestly? I think itās also brave to admit when something does bother meāand still show up with grace.
Just because someone canāt hold your softness doesnāt mean itās a weakness.
Just because someone calls your kindness immaturity doesnāt mean it is.
Maybe being mature isnāt about being stoic, or silent, or always right.
Maybe itās about trying to understand, even when youāre hurting. About speaking up for your heart. About loving someone the way youād want to be lovedāand letting go when they donāt return it.
So here I am. A woman who leads projects and watches cartoons.
A thinker and a daydreamer.
Still figuring it out.
And maybeā¦ thatās the most mature thing of all.
Life can be super interesting sometimes, girlsā¦ Best we can do is enjoy the ride. š
