Enter my world. It is a world of shower thoughts, musings, and disgruntled maturity. But there is one thing that this childish spirit has plenty to offer, random thoughts. You know those fleeting nuggets of wisdom that pop into your mind while you’re shampooing? Yes, those. Let’s dive into one that’s been on my mind lately: the curious contradiction of childhood and maturity. It’s like society plays this wicked little game with us.

From the moment we’re knee-high to a grasshopper, adults say, “Enjoy being a kid!” “Stay curious, keep imagining!” they shout from the rooftops. And we do! We may chase butterflies, believe in monsters under our beds, and maybe create lavish LEGO kingdoms we want to live in (anyone else still have their collection somewhere?) It’s all high fives and candy canes until… oh, wait a minute. Suddenly you cross some invisible threshold.

Then, *bam*, a different message undermines those freedoms. “Grow up already!” they grumble when you spill your thoughts aloud in cartoon voices or when you laugh too loudly at a fart joke. Wait, what? Wasn’t I just singing the praises of youthful exuberance? And now I’m expected to morph into the mundane depths of adulthood overnight? Say what!?

Now take a minute to imagine you’re at a party (oh, those abstract social obligations!) and the buffet makes even the dullest cracker look like golden treasure. You do that thing—you know, where you’re shamelessly triple-stacking salami on a single toothpick making a little meat scuplture when someone gives you the side-eye. “Someone missed the memo about maturity,” they quip. But c’mon! Salami is to be adored, not approached with austerity.

It’s almost as if there exists a secret rulebook called “Adulthood for Dummies” (okay, I just looked and am a little weirded out – Dummies, has produced this book, ouch) which nobody let you in on. (Kind of rude, really.) The double standard sticks like gum on a beloved shoe. And in reality, maybe it’s because adulthood enviouses childhood’s carefree nature. Oh, how we wrestle with contradictions!

In moments like this I let Marvin Gaye sing us through this—perfect mood music as you ponder. Too often, we beat ourselves up for skipping into the wonder of innocence, forgetting life’s magic doesn’t annul maturity. (We’re here for the poetic daydreamers of *all* ages.) Sweet freedom rings when you realize adulthood and childhood aren’t exclusive clubs—they’re dance steps in the same tangled waltz.

So next time someone says “grow up,” throw a confetti cannon of irony their way. Celebrate life’s silliness and variety! Grab a piece of chalk, doodle on the sidewalk, or belt out Disney lyrics like you mean it. The laughter—the manor we’re told to leave behind—often has a seat reserved at life’s dinner table. Уes, kiddo, stay petite by heart but mature when needed.

And there it is. Think about it under the shower each time.