Ageism: "If I Knew Then What I Know Now"

 



Ageism feels like a generational curse, with elders often projecting their differences in opinions, lifestyles, and eras onto younger generations. We hear it all the time: "Back in my day..." "These kids today..." or "You're too young for that." It’s ironic because while elders criticize the younger generation, they often forget that we were raised by them. If they were so perfect, where did things go wrong?

Could it be envy of youth or a need for self-preservation? Growing up, adults constantly told me, “Don’t grow up too fast,” or “Enjoy being a kid.” Many children naturally strive for independence, mirroring the adults around them. It's not always about wanting to be "grown" or envying adulthood; it's about embodying freedom, maturity, and respect.

I was one of those kids caught between wanting to be both young and grown. I was curious—how do adults make money, find food, cook dinner, and provide shelter? It’s a natural part of human development to want to understand and prepare for these responsibilities. As I transitioned into adulthood, I learned how to manage my fears, but some people long to return to the innocence of childhood.

Not me.

I always looked forward to adulthood, dreaming of independence, freedom, maturity, and respect. While many people wish they could go back, I choose to live without regrets. Adulthood isn’t easy, but I wouldn’t trade it for the world. Childhood, for me, was far from idyllic. Now, I enjoy the freedom and respect that come with maturity.

Many cultures still hold to the belief that children are meant to be seen and not heard, serving elders and adults. While I understand the tradition, I believe children are just as capable of supporting the aging process, especially as they drive the progression of technology. It's strange to me that while elders created much of the technology we rely on, they now struggle to understand it.

Aging gracefully isn't about imitating youth; it's about embracing the freedom, maturity, and respect that come with experience


© 2024 Priestess Ziona. All Rights Reserved.





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