When was the first time you really felt like a grown up (if ever)?
There’s no specific age or milestone that definitively marks someone as a “grown-up.” However, some signs of emotional maturity include:
– *Taking responsibility*: Managing personal and professional life, making informed decisions, and being accountable for actions.
– *Emotional intelligence*: Recognizing and managing emotions, empathizing with others, and maintaining healthy relationships.
– *Independence*: Being self-sufficient, making own decisions, and taking care of physical and mental well-being.
– *Self-awareness*: Understanding strengths, weaknesses, values, and goals, and being open to growth and learning.
Ultimately, being a “grown-up” is a personal journey, and it’s okay to take your time figuring things out.
Claiming to be a grown-up is a personal milestone. Here are some signs that might indicate you’re there:
Financial independence You’re self-sufficient and manage your finances effectively.
Emotional maturity: You’re aware of your emotions, take responsibility for your actions, and maintain healthy relationships.
Independence: You’re capable of making your own decisions and taking care of yourself.
Accountability: You take ownership of your mistakes, learn from them, and make amends when necessary.
Self-awareness: You understand your strengths, weaknesses, values, and goals.
When you feel like you’re consistently demonstrating these qualities, you might just be ready to claim that grown-up status!
I consider myself a grown up with a practical and personal experience from when I travelled outside Nigeria to USSR ( now defunct) in 1977 when I was 18years. Before then I had never entered a plane or left Nigeria to anywhere in the world. I lived in Lagos where I was born and was only in Abeokuta and ibadan outside Lagos. Abeokuta is in Ogun state my state of Origin by my parents and Ibadan is in Oyo state. Everything unimaginable started happening from that time till today.
Traveling to the USSR at 18 was a significant life event, especially given the cultural and geographical differences. For me, it was a transformative experience that broadened my horizons and exposed me to new experiences.
It was great that I had a strong sense of self and can reflect on my personal growth. My experience abroad shaped my perspective on life.
Most surprising and challenging part of my experience in the USSR was the weather, culture, language and other things I may not like to talk about. It was everything earlier mentioned to human relationships and discrimination. I never knew what discrimination was in Nigeria. We have always revered the white men and women most of whom where Catholic fathers and Mothers, Indian teachers and Lebanese business men and women and of course British administrators everywhere. But now I sit with Russians in class and beating them in studies in their own language was elevating for me. Never imagined that I could have ‘Oyinbo’ for a friend not to talk of girlfriend. 😁
Oyinbo” is a Yoruba word that means “white person” or “foreigner,” often used in Nigeria to refer to people of European descent
Iit was a real eye-opener for me. Being immersed in a new culture and language were both challenging and rewarding. I felt great that i was able to adapt and excel in my studies, coping with the weather even beating my Russian peers in their own language! That was definitely a confidence booster.
Unfortunately, discrimination can be present in many societies, and it’s not limited to racial or ethnic differences.
Would be glad to answer any questions you may wish to know the answer to in the comments section. Thank you 🙏😊.
yinkaogunrombi.com 