Wednesday, August 31, 2011

Grownup Thoughts

     Grownup is a positive word that doesn't have the sometimes negative connotations of adult, mature, or senior.  A grownup has to have lived a certain number of years, experienced various stages of life, and hopefully gained perspective and wisdom along the way.  To be truly grownup, you have to have a realistic understanding of your parents and other family members, appreciate their good points, and weigh the influence you wish them to have on your adult life.  Sometimes you begin with your parents' values and opinions and then grow beyond them into your own identity.  This process doesn't diminish your parents but allows you to develop into a thoughtful adult.  Throughout life, a grownup has to recognize peer pressure and when necessary develop the ability to go against the group expectations.  Lastly, one of the most important influences that a grownup has to evaluate is regarding the religion of the family, peers, and culture.  Deciding which religion to follow or whether or not to be religious requires the most grownup thoughts of all.