Legally, becoming an adult means that you have turned the age of 18. Though, we all know that one person who just cannot seem to grow up.
What does it truly mean to become an adult and how does one achieve this title? After living on my own for an extended period of time, I’ve realized that this experience has forced me to grow up at a faster rate than once intended. This does not simply mean to attend jury duty and drive at appropriate speed limits; becoming an adult is about accountability and being able to take responsibility for one’s own actions.
While living with my parents, making hourly trips to the refrigerator was simply a given. It didn’t matter what I was eating, how much I was eating or whose food it was that I was enjoying.
Today, there are far more factors that come into play when determining what I will eat. How much of the food is there available and will it last me the rest of the week until I go grocery shopping? Have I eaten enough fruits and vegetables today? Do I have enough cash in my budget to eat this Thanksgiving-sized meal on Monday? Though tempting at times, I learned much quicker than anticipated how important it is to have a balanced diet and to keep yourself healthy.
As tantalizing as that extra slice of pizza may seem, it is more than likely not always the best option when it comes to your health.
Furthermore, healthy eating isn’t the only thing that should be taken into account. A good amount of exercise is important as well. Previously, my main sources of physical activity were walking to class and making sandwiches at my local Subway.
Though, with the introduction of a free gym on campus within walking distance, it is essentially a sin to not take advantage of it. There are many opportunities to stay in shape that don’t have to hurt your budget, like hiking, biking, or playing sports with friends. Exercise doesn’t have to be a chore if you make it a part of a healthy lifestyle. That being said, it is essential to note that healthy living is not the only thing that constitutes being an adult.
Among many of the slick sayings my grandfather tells me, the most memorable is by far, “Don’t sweat the small stuff.” While the saying is short, it has a lot to say. At some points in life, you have to pick and choose your battles. It means to watch what you say, and watch what you do.
It’s true that actions really do speak louder than words, and for me, this is the most crucial part of being an adult. The saying doesn’t just mean the obvious; it leads to something so much more important. It means respect for others.
Respect isn’t just using your manners. Respect is treating everyone equally. It is caring for others more than for yourself. It is looking forward to giving as opposed to receiving, and it is being thankful for everything, no matter how small.
As far as adults go, I like to think that my grandfather is the perfect model. It is said that the mature and silent generations were one of the most respected generations to ever walk the Earth, and that can be easily demonstrated through hard work, discipline, and self-sacrifice.
While the process of entering adulthood may be a tad different now than it was in the 1950s, one thing is for certain; we can all learn from the morals of our elders.
Turning a certain age and signing up for a credit card are not what makes somebody mature. An adult is always ready to learn new things, to take on new responsibilities, and to be respectful to all.
No matter how difficult the circumstances may be, an adult is willing to make ends meet. As my Generation Y peers enter the adult world, I ask three things: listen more, talk less and leave a positive impact on the world.
