I've grown up amidst babies screaming and crying,

laughs and talking over each other,

family dinners and movie nights.

I've grown up almost never alone,

friends and family surrounding me,

encouraging me to work hard and be myself.

I've grown up always loved and cared for,

but always loving and caring for others as well,

sometimes I would forget to take care of myself.

I've grown up amidst poverty and wealth,

of having too much to do and nothing to do,

and I'd rather have the former.

I have grown up,

and now I see that I can be generous and kind to others,

but to myself as well.

I can be humble and still be confident.

I can be selfless and still love myself.

I have grown up,

and now I see that my family is always there for me,

that real friends are too.

I can give love and receive it.

I can listen to understand, instead of listening to reply.

I have grown up,

and now I know that hard work is a part of life,

that pain is temporary.

I can be happy if I choose to be.

I can make others happy and lead by example.

I have grown up,

and now I know to accept the things I can't change,

and to change the things I can't accept.

I can make a difference.

I can change the world.

And I keep growing up.

With starting college, and a 9 to 5 summer job,

And dating an 8th grade teacher’s assistant,

I can’t help but feel old.

I have grown up,

and I’m wondering where the time went.

I love who I am now.

I live a beautiful life.

I just wish I knew that when I was growing up.

But now I know to be a child at heart,

I remember to enjoy the little things daily,

and to never stop growing up,

as long as I glow up as well.