Growing Up Is Overrated

So today, I was the only one of a group of adults--parents to be specific--that took part in an obsticle course  designed primarily for our children. Boy was it fun, but I am certain I looked like an idiot in front of the others, even if they said nothing of it. Only my Mate gave words of encouragement veiled by his own shame of being guilty (of being a dork) by association. Oh well.

After doing the obstacle course, I realized--once again--that I am out of shape! The 'child's play'   that comes with such activities as obstacle courses and jungle gyms are great tools of fitness! Why they cut us off by middle school is a mystery to me. Perhaps it is the symbolic beginning of the end of childhood. Still, I have fun running through one with my Little One! Some day I will get the best of those Monkey Bars once more.

Which got me to thinking, why couldn't there just be giant playgrounds for fun-loving adults like me? I miss playing like this. Working out for me has to be fun or else I'm not nearly as dedicated or willing. Running? Not unless I'm running from something or chasing it, i.e. in competitive sports like football, ultimate Frisbee, soccer or racing. I love having fun with my physical activity, something that seems to have been taken away with growing up (which along with the sedentary lifestyle that comes with graduate school is likely why I'm so flabby--boo!).

Why should growing up have to mean massive limitations on what was fun for us as children? I think along with 'education' killing off creativity likely to be considered 'child-like', loss of the opportunities to play contributes with the unhappiness adults may have as they continue 'growing up'. I know I'd be a whole lot happier if I had an adult-sized obstacle course or jungle gym (complete with giant slide) to play on daily. Being 'in shape' wouldn't even be a thought, just like when we were kids, because we were already 'in shape' enough to run after each other and play on such cool toys. This leads me to believe that the emphasis on growing up is alarmingly overrated and perhaps harmful in a way.

After hearing a story made up by my Little One, a woman commented that from the age of two to [I can't remember when] that children are on another planet. I imagine the only reason they return is because we adults and our realities slowly erode their rocket ships and eventually send them crashing back to 'earth'. I feel bad for my Little One in this sense because I would never want the joy that usually consumes his face and being to be extinguished. If only the meaning of growing up were altered to be welcoming of children or at least 'child-like' mentalities.

Well, I guess in my own way, I refuse to grow up completely. Lately this just means that I'm a goofy kid who is still willing to try anything, be it physical, spiritual, or edible--within reason of course. In safe spaces, I'll even bust out my ridiculously goofy smile at moments of silliness, or when a funny thought crosses my mind. Heck I still try and tell my "jokes" and laugh at them too! Maybe my Little One has hope after all!

Until next time...