Growing up

When I was young, I used to watch this certain kiddie talk show wherein it features kid reporters and the way they change as years pass by. Thru this show, I started to imagine myself growing up and meeting other people.

I thought it’s just a simple thing. I just have to wear big clothes and big shoes and do all the things grown ups do. I never thought it would be hard.

I miss playing with my fave toys…combing my Barbie doll’s hair and even designing and making her clothes (though… I don’t know what the clothes I made look like), playing hide-n-seek, having the usual “cooking time” with my playmates. The thing I miss most about being a child is the fact that I can do anything I want to without worrying what other people think. I can wear any clothes without hearing thinks like… “Hindi niya bagay.” But instead hear praises like…. “Ang cute cute naman ng bata.”…

Oh how I miss those times when I was still that innocent little girl. But I can’t do anything about it now. I can’t turn back time. Things happen because they are supposed to happen. And even if we don’t want them to happen, we just have to accept them and go on with our journey. Part of this journey is growing up.

It is only now that I realized the true essence of those two simple words. Though it’s fun meeting other people and be able to interact with them without being told things such us… “Bata ka pa… or usapang matanda ito”, there are times where in I feel like I don’t know what to do or say. Growing up is not as simple as wearing big clothes and big shoes. It’s more of facing the challenges of life. It’s more of learning how to get through it. And how to learn from all the mistakes you’ve committed.

I found out that some people could be judgmental. Though some could be for a good cause, there are times that we can’t avoid to be hurt by what other people say. To be honest, there are certain times where in I find myself crying and feeling so helpless. But then I realized that I should not allow these people to rule my life. I am the one making decisions, not them. This is my life. This is my journey. And this is me. No one but me can decide what I’m going to do or say. People have their own opinions. So do I. But some don’t realize that people, like you and me, have feelings too. We may not be able to show those feelings but deep inside it’s there, especially if we’re being hurt.

Though some may not understand us and accept us as the person we really are, there are other people out there who care about us. Just like our friends who are always there for us.

Yes, growing up isn’t that easy. You may experience pain but not at all times. Growing up can also be enjoyable. It can also be fruitful. It can be fun. As in F-U-N. You just have to get through it day by day. Face the trials that come your way. And eventually learn to appreciate the people around you while making your dreams come true.