Little kids yearn to be older: 

To become independent and make adult decisions.

"I can't wait to go to college and get married in London," said 6 year old me,

on my way to the park to have a play date 

with a friend from school.

Oh the times where my worst concern 

was whether or not I would have hotdogs for dinner,

or if Disney Channel would be airing High School Musical at 8/9 Eastern Time.

My little brain was so hungry for knowledge and clarity, feeding on 

my experiences to prevent itself from starving.

 

Then something changed.

 

Instead of yearning to be older, 

I wished to be younger:

to have play dates with my friends at the park.

Instead of my worst concern being what I consumed for dinner, 

it was whether my academic papers satisfied the right requirements.

My brain was no longer little, it was expanding rapidly.

At this moment, my body had changed,

my mind had evolved, 

and my experiences had changed me.

I was no longer that young kid, 

but was now that young adult.

 

My perspectives on ideals and values have changed.

Instead of ordering chicken fingers and fries at every restaurant possible,

my pallet has learned to appreciate newly acquired tastes.

My personal opinions and values towards controversial topics has evolved.

Religion and Societal Values were merely my opinion.

Not my parents opinion, but my own opinion.

The death of my cousin served

as an experience that grew me up faster.

From then on, I have learned that life isn't guaranteed

and must be cherished as much as possible.

 

That those who may claim to be your friend, 

have motives to stab you in the back, 

both literally and figuratively.

All of these newfound ideals 

could not have been understood when I was 6.

My mind was slowly evolving,

and grasping menial ideas.

But now that I am growing up,

and experiencing more,

my internal glow-up is becoming clearer.

 

I thank my younger self for giving me

the creativity and imagination needed:

To set goals that I am working to achieve.

To redefine the way I think.

To devise plans that I am willing to follow.

To shape me for the future.

Thank you, Childhood.