Cruising

Growing up seems to be a concept that is primarily imposed upon us.

As I do, I am sure you remember the statements from your past that suggested you should grow up. “Isn't it about time you grew up?” For me, the list seemed endless.

It still does to tell you the truth!

Now I know that the people that gave me this kind of advice were only repeating what they had been told and the truth is they probably never gave it much thought. There is no problem here as times change, so let's not judge the past with a critical view of the now.

But we should have the common sense to view the past for what was a moment that served a need at the time. Yet, we should also recognise that the need may have changed.

I admit, there were moments when I could have appeared or acted more grown-up, and that trend continues until this day. Because just like this gentleman dropping into the bowl as the sunsets on Venice Beach, life is best lived trying to be as young as you can, for as long as possible.

This might sound incredibly selfish or self-centred, but the reality we have designed for those who are so-called grown up appears like a total drag, like a busy waiting room for the end of the life you use to love living.

Ours is an incredibly complicated journey. We go to school; hopefully we graduate, get a job, get a partner, get a car, house, kids and pets. We watch our loved ones pass on and suddenly we are it. We are the so-called grown-up in the room.

Although I have experienced all of the above, I can honestly say that none of it ever sat well with me; none of it ever made me feel like a grown-up. It just made me feel like I was living in a box of other's short-sighted views.

I wanted to spend my years indulging in precisely what I wanted to do; it made me a happier person, a better human. If, like me, you find yourself getting a little down about being a so-called grown-up, then go anywhere and watch people play.

The secret to being a happy grown-up is never forgetting to play like a child who doesn't even know the concept of growing up. Skate if that's your thing, make music, art, dance, run, ride or read. Do what you love and do it like it doesn't matter. 

Because in the end, it doesn't.