Growing Up Is a Choice

Getting older is guaranteed, but growing up is a choice. Many people shy away from admitting their age out of disbelief in how fast life has zipped by as if life were a river rushing by them as they stand off to the side on dry land. On the other hand, I've been fortunate to meet people, including many elderly, who have passionately expressed that for them, regardless of all new and difficult challenges, life truly gets better and better each and every day. Why is that? What's their secret?Going back to the river analogy, these people choose to be in their river of life, flowing downstream, always in the present and more often than not, excited and/or determined to be in the flow, even amidst the upcoming turbulent rapids. Every single moment/situation offers new growth opportunities, but you must be willing to let yourself flow down the river in order to see them as you move through them. Once you choose to allow yourself to flow down the river, you will soon begin to recognize that your view is always advancing, hence the growth.Hey, some stretches along the river are more challenging and usually accompanied by faster, greater growth while others seem to be more calm and accompanied by more time and space for contemplation and realization. That's how it is! In either case, by properly positioning yourself, not to mention by picking up useful tools along the way, you'll begin cruising your river the way big wave surfer Laird Hamilton rides the ocean. Respect the river, allow yourself to be vulnerable, expect that wiping out from time to time is part of the process and most importantly have fun!!! There has never been another river like yours!!!Just remember, we were neither born to climb out of the river (where it may seem safe) nor to attempt to rush down the river nor to be anywhere else along the river than exactly where we are right NOW.