Tomorrow

“What do you want to be when you grow up?” 

The infamous question that was asked of me every year since the second grade. I must have changed my answer a million times as each day I discovered new hobbies and passions - a nurse, a teacher, a writer, definitely an actor at one point lol, and many more. The one consistent thing I knew I wanted to carry with me into the next day, week, or year was that feeling of being small; to stay curious and see the world through the eyes of a child at times.

I didn’t want to forget what it was like to have fun or that it’s ok to fail sometimes. 

But I also thought the future would mean I would have all the answers. After all, I would be an adult and adults know everything. In a world that was so puzzling at times I wanted to have the solutions. People also seemed to listen to adults more; I could help others and advocate for those who got pushed aside ( like my sister at some times) and the adults would listen. So, I thought that maybe in the future - being an adult- wouldn’t be that bad. 

Ya, having a cool house or the job of my dreams would be sweet, but I wanted to have the answers and use them to be the kindness I thought the world needed. 

Now I look back and think to myself “what a beautiful interpretation I had of adulthood.” Was it entirely correct? Mmm not really haha. I think some would say it was a naive outlook on adulthood and I guess in some ways they would be right. More people listen to me but some still don’t. I’m still learning and don’t know everything like I thought I would - and that, right there, is the real secret: no one really knows; we’re all still figuring it out. What I do know is I am in a position where I can more freely help out and advocate for others on my own time. 

I’ve learned now that I have the tools and opportunities to shape my future. I get to help younger kids become the best version of themselves - help them to see the beauty in growing up.The future isn’t some deadline I’m trying to meet or a marked end where everything will suddenly make sense. It’s not about knowing exactly what I’ll do or be but it is a continuation of growing up - it’s the realization that tomorrow is a new day - a chance to continue on this one wild but amazing ride.