The Case for Maturation

This particular case is one that, with time, grows dear to me.

For such a long time in life, I had not even a clue what it meant and how much of an impact it would have on my trajectory in life. At many points in life, I was rash, impulsive, and refused to listen to reason, as we tend to be when we are young and lack experience. Stubborn, and yet, I haven't quite outgrown that trait. I doubt I ever will.

I needed something internal that grounded me and let me know that what I was experiencing did not have to define who I was. Back then, I didn't have it though what I did could help construct me into whom I desired to become. Thinking back to old memories, I recall quite a few challenging moments. The foundation I had to fall back on did not give me hope that I'd learn from the mistakes that I had made or allow me the proper discernment to make better decisions towards improving the direction I was bound. Still, I persisted.

As I grew in age and with the hindsight of time, it all began to add up as I began to understand the wisdom hidden within every circumstance. I decided to learn from them instead of leaving them to wither, and because I did, things changed. I changed. Pieces of life advice, books I read, words of counsel, and moments of deep contemplation through many conversations with those that care for me started to reveal new options and directions my life could take. Years later, I look back proudly at those decisions and the path chosen. Had it not been for all those lessons and learning that came before, I would not be who I am today.

For that, I am grateful.