Growing up is a never-ending experience.  As a young girl, I knew I’d grow up someday…you know…become a mature adult.  What I’ve learned over time is that we all eventually stop growing physically, but we never stop emotionally.  

Life lessons are learned over time.  As an adult, you come to realize that mistakes are common occurrences that challenge you on a regular basis.  But I wonder…do I have to continue to learn from my mistakes until I die?  I understand “perfection” isn’t attainable.  I can see that in the mirror as I age.  And, if I forget how old I am, my son will remind me when my actions embarrass him.  I love feeling young and acting young.  I hang onto my youth by walking the beach and swimming in the ocean.  If you could see me jumping in the waves and body surfing to the shore, you’d know I’m still a kid at heart.  

When you’re alone, immature behavior doesn’t really exist since no one is there to judge you.  No explanation is necessary as there’s no one there to explain to.  But when you interact with others, mistakes can happen.  Please don’t be too hard on yourself.  Everyone lives life by a different set of rules.  Of course, there are rules we all know…like “please” and “thank you.”  But we often trip up when interacting with others…just like when you trip walking down the street.  Feelings can be hurt.  I believe this hurt comes from not knowing everyone else’s “rules of life” and therefore we screw up in their mind.  You may not have meant to hurt someone, yet you feel you’ve offended them.  Enter the “life lesson.”

Life is short and it’s complicated.  It would be nice to live life without any mistakes…but that’s impossible…and learning from them still is the most important lesson of all.