When a Boy Becomes a Man

It's an age old question. When are you considered a man? Is it based on age? 18, 21, 25, 40. Is it based on experience? Personal tragedy, insight, self enlightenment, achievement, responsibility.
The journey through life is such a strange and wonderous thing. So many things to think about, worry about, experience. So many people to meet, love, hate, ignore, tolerate. So many changes that must occur as you grow physically and emotionally.

I've often wondered about my own maturity. Each year as I get older, I'll be 40 this month, I try to think back to things that I have done. Sometimes I'm amazed at how my memory is triggered at the weirdest times and I think of an event from years ago. Often that event is a defining moment that shapes who you are. I guess that's why it's permanantly stamped into your brain.

I look back at those "events" and think, "What a stupid dumbass I was". Why would I do something like that? Probably because I didn't know any better, I guess it's part of the learning process.

As I watch myself grow, I also have a son and daughter to watch grow as well. Sometimes it's painful to watch them learn about life but they have to learn somehow.

With my son at college I keep touch with him via instant messaging. He is real good at updating his away message/comments, too good sometimes. So I check his messages on occasion and obtain some interesting insight of his college life, such as:

Tuesdays suck. He has class all day then works 4 hours after dinner.
He's working out (weight lifting) on a regular basis and is getting stronger.
He stated recently, "(I) never realized how much college changes ppl i guess..."

He comment above is what prompted my own introspection about changes. College, he will find, is not the only time in his life that other people (ppl) or himself will change. Hopefully those changes will be for the better.

So as I get older I try to hold on to the youthfulness in my life. Don't ask me what I want to be when I grow up since I don't plan on "growing" up. I'll be mature and professional when I need to, but I'll also be playful and fun to balance things out.

Mid-life crisis?!?!?! Yeah right.

The Game is so On for the next twenty+ years.