The paradox of growing up

Since moving to Japan, I have developed a new hobby: treasure hunting in second-hand shops for retro games and consoles I've always wanted as a kid. Almost every weekend, I explore second-hand shops, trying to get my hands on all those toys I could never have had back then.

As a kid, my biggest worries were what game to play or what snack to eat. Life was good, but the more I think of it, the more I remember that as a kid, I felt so constrained.

I have to wake up early, go to school, and at home I still have to do my homework.. I finally remember that as a kid, I couldn't wait to grow up and experience the freedom and independence of adulthood.

The 10-year-old me dreamed of the day when I could make my own decisions, stay up as late as I wanted, and do whatever I pleased without anyone telling me what to do. More importantly, after work, there is no homework. What a life. Right? …Right?

Not really.

What’s life?

With the freedom that we have, comes the responsibility and the limitations of being an adult. We are free to do what we want, but not without consequences. We can go where ever we wanted, but we don’t have the time. We can buy what ever we want, but we start to think about our financial decisions.

Adulthood seemed like a magical realm where we would finally be in control of our lives. However, the responsibilities and pressures of adulthood can sometimes feel overwhelming, and it make us yearn for the innocence and joy that seemed to come so effortlessly when we were young.

This paradox – wanting to be an adult when we were children but then wanting to be children again as adults – is a fascinating aspect of the human experience.

I think it highlights the constant tension between our desire for freedom and our need for security, between our yearning for adventure and our craving for familiarity.

The life of an adult is a journey to seek balance.

Embracing the Paradox

This paradox of childhood and adulthood reminds us that our desires and perspectives are constantly evolving. What we once yearned for can become a source of nostalgia and longing, and what we once took for granted can become a precious commodity.

Rather than viewing this paradox as a source of frustration or regret, we can embrace it as a testament to the richness and complexity of the human experience. By acknowledging and appreciating the unique joys and challenges of childhood and adulthood, we can cultivate a deeper sense of gratitude and appreciation for life's journey.

Perhaps the key is to strike a balance – to embrace the freedom and independence of adulthood while also nurturing the sense of wonder, curiosity, and playfulness that we so cherished as children. By doing so, we can create a fulfilling and joyful life that honours the best of both worlds.

Ultimately, the paradox of childhood and adulthood is a reminder that life is a constant journey of growth, discovery, and evolution.

Sometimes, we lost ourselves in the process of finding ourselves. That’s just how it is.

I hope you find this insightful. Remember:

It‘s not going to be easy,
But it’s not impossible.

Your friend,
Brian