Threshold of adulthood... words of wisdom!

Raise your hand if you wanted to grow up before time when you were 6.

Raise your hand if you regret it in your thirties!

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Wait! little difficult to type with one hand. Just Kidding!

While most of us get nostalgic with wo kagaz ki kashti, wo baarish ka pani, some of us can't wait to get older. 

Yes. That includes me. 

I like the wisdom that comes with age. Things that you just know. Like, you can't have everything. You can't be upset over everything. A failure is not the end of the world. And you can survive a heartbreak!

As much as I hate adversity, I know now- it is inevitable. Happiness, is transient. Problems, on the other hand, have a longer lifespan. Which now, makes me appreciate the tiny bits of laughter, in between the tears, the smile, in between the pain and joy in between sorrow.

I aim at having a life without regret. I can't say I've been totally successful; but I honestly don't have any major regrets so far. I am not sorry for taking risks and failing. I'm not sorry for trusting despite being deceived. I am not sorry for loving unconditionally without being loved in equal measure. 

I've lived and learnt.

And I still make mistakes.

That is not a bad thing.

How do you know when you have grown up? By the numbers you earn? By the materialistic possessions? By being brave enough to take a tough decision when no one else could?

I have some parameters which help me define adulthood:

• Surrendering to the fact that no one's life is without misery. That is what defines a man/ woman!
• Finding happiness in small things- a lone walk, a long drive, a bite of soul- food, an absolute favourite classic movie (I choose between- As good as it gets, When Harry met Sally, Sleepless in Seattle, Amelie, You've got mail, the Before Sunset trilogy).
• Making your best effort to hold on.
• Letting go, gracefully.
• Open to learning
• Open to change
• Open to criticism
• Open to being the butt of jokes
• Knowing that it is okay to cry
• Knowing that alcohol is not the solution
• Knowing that good things are only for a while and enjoying while you can.
• Accepting that everybody would influence you in some way. There is no such thing as a clean break up.
• Making peace with your past
• Putting your needs first, once in a while. It is okay to be a little selfish.
• Knowing the difference between dreams and reality.
• Adhering to your dreams. 'Cos if you don't, who will? Don't beat yourself up over chasing a dream. Your dreams are yours!
• We have a LOT of love to give. Believe it!

See, now you're educated!