Age is Just a Number: The Difference Between Growing Old and Growing Up | LOH #258

Hello, lovely Ladies of Hive! 💖 Hope you're having a wonderful week! ✨

There is a phrase that really makes us all think: "Aging is an obligation, maturing is a choice." Based on what we see around us, this week's challenge prompt by @cautiva-30 is a sheer truth that we should talk about.

There is no doubt, aging is an obligation, because it happens naturally to us. We cannot stop the passage of time. As a part of aging, our physical appearance changes, and we have no control over these things. Even if we use science or modern technology to look young, it cannot be denied that it has an effect on our actions and speech. Our bones weaken and our voices change as we age. Aging is uncontrollable and irreversible.

However, we can look younger by taking care of ourselves. Having an active and healthy lifestyle, including a proper style of clothing and grooming, can help us to be energetic even as we age. But essentially, aging is a natural process that we have to accept.

This is where maturity comes in, which we can say is a choice or option. For many, maturity means being responsible and serious in life: through words and actions. It is associated with being calm and firm in facing problems, as well as having a broad understanding of many things. We usually go through this stage when we are working, paying bills, or having our own family.

But age is not a measure of maturity. We can see children who are already working at a young age and are already burdened with the responsibility of their parents. They are what we call matured even though they are young. They have chosen to take on responsibility rather than play games and have fun at a young age.

On the other hand, we can also see individuals who are 35 years old and have children for example, but do not care about their responsibilities, are lazy, and always rely on others. They have chosen to have fun rather than take on the obligation of parenthood.

Even in relationships, you can see how people make choices. A partner is mature when they have an open mind and humility. A partner is immature when they always fight over small or simple things.

We can be mature and responsible while doing doing things that interest us. We can travel, eat out, play games, or take care of our pets. But how we live in the world is still a result of our choices.

So, the answer is yes: Aging is an obligation, maturing is a choice. Aging is inevitable and something you cannot control, but being mature is a matter of decision.