When we’re little, we can’t wait for it. It’s like something we have our own internal countdown for, just waiting until that special day arrives. Then it does and we wish it hadn’t. Birthdays. From the ground up, I’ve come to wonder about them, mostly because I’ve always thought I would know when that day came. That day, when I knew beyond a doubt that I was completely and utterly grown up. That day, when I felt on my game. That day, when I felt wise.
Well I don’t know about you, but I haven’t yet recognized such a day. At the tender age of six people years old (which is equivalent to about 42 doggie years old), I say with complete honesty that I can’t say I’ve ever actually felt like a grown up. Not in the traditional sense of the term anyway. But today, as I paused to watch my forever family for a bit, I realized maybe it isn’t about that.
I sat by, as I always do, while mom and dad had dinner together. More recently, dear baby Carter has joined them for dinner as he eats various concoctions of what my people call “solids,” which (at least in my opinion) greatly resemble soups of various homemade flavors. His options thus far include mango, sweet potato, broccoli, avocado and (as of tonight) banana. And it’s all very exciting both for him, as well as my beloved forever mom and dad.
Today as I watched what is my reality unfold I realized I am, in fact, living my dream. I can’t say I knew what it would look like when I was a puppy. I know I was like anyone else, looking forward to being a grown up more than anything else. I couldn’t wait for the outside world to see me differently. To see me as a grown up.
Today I realized none of that really matters as much as remembering your inner child. Sure, it’s fun to think about what it might be like one day when you’re all grown up. That one day when you have everything figured out. That one day when you feel wise. But I realized today being grown up has absolutely nothing to do with that one day. It has everything to do with the days that follow. It has everything to do with how you move forward, how you make a difference. How you live.
So today I recommit my life to one of wisdom. I recommit myself to seeing a sky full of stars whenever it’s in front of me. I recommit myself to live. From the ground up, that’s about as simple as it gets.
Wiley's Wisdom 
Getting older is ok but growing up is optional….We all have our inner child and we should let it out occasionally. Life is much more fun like that! 🙂
It’s great to live your dream, Wiley… think that’s like the ketchup on a hot dog or that extra something what makes life interesting :o) and it’s for free we only have to brave enough to do it :o)
You are VERY wise for a six year old, W. Your wisdom lies in living each moment of every day. I am 7 years old, and I still learn from you all the time!
Love and licks and bananas – yay,
Cupcake
Oh, Wyles! You are so right on this “grown up” business. It’s the secret no adult ever ever opens up about because…. each grown up thinks they are the only ones who still don’t feel grown up and wise. Finally, somebody fesses up in a tense whisper and maybe their best friend nods and says, “Oh, I know….” 🙂 ❤ HuntMode
P.S. – oops, Happy birthday, Wyles! I am so glad you were born!
To my way of thinking, growing up is overrated, Wiles. I can remember my mother saying to me, “When are you going to grow up!” I responded with, “Never, if I have my way.” Mind you, I was 40 at the time 😉