Growing up

I never knew it was going to be this hard. It is every child's dream to grow up and became an adult including me, because all we could think about at that moment was the freedom we could get and not the responsibilities that come alongside with it. I discovered when I was kid that I enjoyed taking night walks. I loved the scent of street food that wafted through the air and the sidewalk buzz with a diverse mix of people each lost in their own urban journey. I remember myself, in several occasions when I could delay in the market for almost an hour. The quiet market place during the day used to transform into something beautiful and extraordinary at night.

The air filled with the enticing aroma of street food as vendors showcase their culinary delights. The market echoes with a symphony of bargaining voices laughter and the occasional street performers melody. The vibrant stalls adorned with twinkling fairly lights creating a lively tapestry of colors. Nighttime shoppers weave through the bustling crowd discovering the hidden gems that come to life in the market after hours of charms.

Due to this behavior which ended up to be a habit I occasionally received some proper lectures from my mum. Finally she forbade me from going to the market or taking walks during the night since the streets were not safe and plus I am a girl.

Finally I grew up I can take night walks and stay out watching the beautiful scenery for as long as I want to. But why does it seem like another job to me? I which someone could have told me it was not going to be easy? I used be very confident in myself but now I don't . Honestly I don't know what's happening to me or me in my life any more .This constant fear of will I make it in life constantly ringing in my head are make my nights dull . The academic pressure, peer pressure and family expectations are taking a toil on me.

So far I have learnt that the journey of growing up is an intricate and multifaceted process, that one must navigate to reach maturity. From the turbulence of adolescence to the responsibilities of adulthood, the challenges faced during this transformative period shape one's character and resilience.

Peer relationships and friendships, which are essential for social development, also pose challenges. The dynamics of friendships can shift, leading to feelings of loneliness or rejection. Navigating the complexities of peer relationships, understanding trust, loyalty, and effective communication, becomes a significant aspect of the journey to adulthood.

Body image and self-esteem emerge as significant hurdles, especially during the formative years. Adolescents, bombarded by societal standards of beauty and perfection, often grapple with insecurities related to their physical appearance. This can lead to issues such as eating disorders, low self-esteem, and a distorted self-image, impacting overall well-being. Many teenagers are battling with low self esteem due to the societal standards of beauty and perfection.

As individuals transition into adulthood, the burden of responsibility and the quest for independence take center stage. Managing time, finances, and making decisions about one's future become integral aspects of growing up. Learning to shoulder responsibilities while navigating the complexities of independence requires resilience and adaptability. Most of the times we find ourselves trying to balance between our studies and side hustles.

In conclusion, growing up for me has been a bitter sweet transition. I have learnt that you have to be sad for you to be happy. I have learnt to appreciate others and myself.

Let us learn to enjoy every moment and self love.