As a child, I was taught to respect my elders and followed this rule very strictly; as I have grown up and into my 20s, I still believe in this adage, but I have also learned that age is but a number.
Since graduating college almost eight years ago, I have gotten to know people from all walks of life through my work experience and my time in San Francisco and Denver. I have met many people who, although may be older in age than I am, have come across as childish or stuck in their 20s (despite being 50+). Then there’s the opposite spectrum: I have met a few people younger than I am but who come across as having wise old souls.
Every human being comes into maturity at his or her own pace: some people are just naturally wise beyond their years, while others take a whole lifetime to truly mature. People aren’t like fine wine: sometimes it doesn’t get better with age.
I am thankful for all the people I have met over the years, though, and that they have given me this insight into age and maturity.