"You're a Big Boy now!"

I don't know how many times I heard that from adults as I was growing up.  Generally it was a way to get me to act more responsible, do homework, do chores, etc.  So here is my question: 

Am I a big boy NOW? 

I really don't think size has anything to do with that statement.  I have seen some huge 3rd graders in my lifetime.

Maybe "Big Boy" has more to do with responsibilty than age or size.  Taking out the trash without being told.  Doing the dishes.  Washing your own clothes.  All the things that the "grown ups" do.  OK.  I can buy that.  But if it is such a good thing to be a "big boy" (or responsible adult) why is it that we spend so much time trying to get those "grown up" things done FOR us?

I guess I am a "Big Boy" by necessity....I don't have anyone else willing to do those things for me.

But ask yourself honestly....wouldn't you like a housekeeper?  A money manager?   A secretary or assistant?   If we are able to get all those things done for us, isn't that a little bit like having parents again?  Cleaning for you, awarding you an allowance, reminding you of important things/items and picking up your dry cleaning?  The only thing different is that you are old enough to work, drink, vote, and get into an "R" rated movie!

We start life in diapers and eating pureed food and we end life in generally the same condition.  Why do we fight SO hard to be "grown ups" or a "big boy"?

See if you follow me on this theory....

1. Lets say that life is like the Earth and the horizon is your age.....
2. That horizon is coming at you whether you like it or not.
3. Now, the effort we make at being grown up expends a lot of energy, climbing the ladder, JUMPING ahead... all effort.
4. So....if you JUMP really high while the horizon is coming at you, what happens?  You miss a LOT of the little things that happen on the ground because you were SOOOO busy up in the air.
5. If you still take your jumps, but take time to come down every once in a while......maybe you won't miss so much.

Before you get upset and say that I am endorsing a model to society that says we shouldn't achieve, know that I pay my bills, I finished a post-graduate degree, I do dishes, laundry, and take out the trash.  BUT I still harbor that "little kid" inside.  I like roller coasters, I play video games, and I watch cartoons.  Doing the balancing act between "big boy" and "little kid" is a growth experience within itself. 

I guess without growing up, we can't appreciate the fun of being a little kid.  But AS grown ups we sometimes forget to BE that little kid.

FOR GOODNESS SAKE, become an acheiver!  We still need cancer cured, clean energy, and World peace!  Just don't forget to take joy in your life as well.