Age...

...is so much more (or less) than a number. We obsess over reaching certain "milestone ages". The process of growing older is more known for its increased wrinkles and decreased athleticism than for its wisdom and experience. I've never been one to give in to any of that. I embraced turning thirty. One day, I hope to actually become a grown up. However...

There is one part of "growing older" that is becoming a concern. You see, I'm nearing the age when one typically "becomes who they will be for the rest of their lives". I am apparently solidifying--or perhaps petrifying--my values and perspectives on life. I am supposed to be settling down. I'll become more outspoken about that things that concern or bother me. Those things could be perceived as positives, I guess. But to me, it sounds more like a stubborn, crotchety old fart. (Man, I really wanted to have a blog that never used the word "fart". Oh well.)

Yeah, that part of growing older scares me. I don't want to become close-minded. I don't want to refuse to even listen to new ideas or, more importantly, different ideas. I don't want to give the impression that I'm always right and everyone else can just go to you-know-where.

In many respects, I want to grow to maturity. But I sure don't want to grow up like that.