Adulthood. A thought so terrifying I can’t even begin to articulate my insecurity, let alone anticipate the implications of this integral transformation. Or, perhaps, worse – realize the resounding nothingness that will become of me when, on February 28, I join the likes of One Direction and embrace the loveliness of this eighteenth year. In the meantime, I can only reminisce about the sweeter simplicity of my childhood. In particular, I mourn the loss of:
- Leap day magic – lost and found around the world
- Imagination – make-believe songs, dances, and plays
- Creativity – writing and drawing to express (escape) myself
- Idle domesticity – warm gingersnaps, reading, daydreaming
- Daisy and Sparkle – fuzzy shadows
- Roots – growing support system of family and friends
- Neighborhood community – wandering aimlessly, worms squirming on rainy roads
- Shaker Heights – golden glow, passing time
- Learning – mind stretching, flexing, decompressing
- Devious escapades – *giggle giggle* within the sphere of safety
- Blissful ignorance – comfortable circumference, feathered hope
- Sweet tunes – any moment becomes transcendent
- Outdoors adventures – exploring and expanding
- Running – when my soul would sing
- Falling in love with my surroundings
- Companionable silence – casual intimacy, thoughts shared yet unspoken
- Coming-of-age angst – existential crises and whatnot
- An ordinary day – blurry snapshots of falling with the sun-speckled snow, connecting with others, Felice mac & cheese in a faded room, chasing sunset and stars along the lakeshore, and surrendering to sleep
Yet there need not be such growing pains. I am the same me, albeit (I should hope) a little bit older and wiser, and though soon I will be an adult, I intend to cherish the world with childlike wonder still. And someday, I will reflect upon my eighteenth year with the very adolescent nostalgia I experience now.
Happy 18th birthday and welcome to adulthood! It’s really not so scary, and you will still get to be creative, have a neighborhood community, and lots of other perks. I swear. 🙂
the most fitting, wisest, person to turn 18… a true inspiration Mia!!
Happy belated birthday Mia! Hope adulthood treats you well <3