Don't Let Adulthood Dull Your Spirit

Reflecting on the carefree days of youth evokes a sense of nostalgia. Back then, we were blissfully unaware of the complexities that lay ahead as we navigated the journey of growing up. Often, as life becomes a relentless cycle of responsibilities, we neglect the inner child that once sparked our joy, mistakenly believing that embracing that playful spirit is inappropriate in adulthood.

My own journey took a somber turn with the sudden loss of my father three years ago, a tragedy that plunged me into a dark winter of despair. This experience left me grappling with profound grief, akin to the heavy snow that blanketed the ground during those frigid weeks.

Going Back in Time

As a child, I delighted in simple pleasures: playing basketball with my father and brother, riding my bike, and embarking on neighborhood adventures, all fueled by a sense of wonder and freedom. My happiness thrived in the absence of definition; I simply existed, lost in a world of imagination.

Middle school introduced me to the captivating yet fictitious realm of wrestling. My young heart raced with excitement as I anticipated matches between my heroes like the Undertaker and Stone Cold Steve Austin. I would daydream in class, my imagination weaving elaborate stories around these larger-than-life characters.

The thrill didn’t stop there. My dad gifted my brother and me a trampoline, which became my stage for reenacting epic wrestling battles. Alone, I entertained myself, crafting an audience in my mind, complete with cheers and gasps, as I mimicked my favorite wrestlers’ moves. I recorded these matches on VHS, reliving the excitement over and over again, all while dreaming of my next adventure.

At night, I would lie in bed, tuning into the radio on my Walkman, eagerly waiting for the latest hits to air. Adjusting the dial to catch my favorite songs was a ritual filled with anticipation, and recording them felt like capturing fleeting moments of joy.

It Was Just My Imagination...

I even attempted to act out scenes from TV shows and movies, convinced I would become as famous as actors I admired. However, I soon dismissed those dreams, thinking I was too cool for the theatrical world. I fancied myself as humorous as Will Smith on "The Fresh Prince," and the world around me was a canvas of curiosity and wonder.

From a young age, I had a passion for reading and writing, effortlessly spilling thoughts onto paper, creating poems and stories that expressed my innermost feelings. Looking back, I realize the importance of reconnecting with that imaginative child within us, who still holds the key to our authentic selves.

Redefining Adulthood

As an adult who has switched careers more times than I can count, I’ve returned to my roots—a curious, imaginative kid who finds joy in reading and writing. My mind is alive with thoughts that yearn to be articulated, and I see the connections that weave through every experience.

Though I carry the weight of missing my father, I know he would take pride in my journey back to my true essence. It was during the darkest chapter of my life that I unearthed aspects of myself I had buried deep. As we grow older and seek meaning, I encourage you to journey back in time to rediscover who you were before the pressures of adulthood took hold. This reconnection may just reignite the fire within your soul.