December 9, 2008
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Grow up!
As a little girl, I admired the grown-ups in my life. They always seemed to have the answers to everything. I didn’t know how or why, they just DID.
My daddy and me.It was the little things, you know? How they talked to one another or drove from place to place; scrunched their face as they paid bills or made decisions … I just watched them all in awe. One day, I thought, I want to do that.
My inspiration, my momma.I always had it in my head that I’d be a grown-up at 18. That’s just when it would happen.
Me at 18. Crazy, right?
Coincidentally, that’s the same time that society deems a person an “adult”. And I’m sure you’d agree: there is a huge difference between being an adult and being a grown-up.
Being an adult is something that is primarily tied to age. At 18, I could vote or buy a pack of cigarettes (if I smoked, lol). I could transition out of the teenage/high school-mentality and be surrounded with more adult situations.
In fact, I found myself IN more adult situations, but I was far from being a grown-up about it all. When I didn’t have the answers, I would wing it, hoping I came across as “grown-up-ish” … something I didn’t always succeed at.
I think that wisdom is what makes you more of a grown-up. Even at 26, I know I haven’t achieved true “grown-up” status. I don’t know that anyone ever does.
Cooking for my husband. I’m all grown-up, right?Looking back, the grown-ups I admired didn’t always have the answers, either. They didn’t always know what to do … in a pinch, they would wing it, too. They had the same issues and problems that I run across every day, but they knew how to conceal it.
We’re all always learning and growing, changing and evolving into the roles life throws at us. We’re only who and what we are in that moment—not always living up to the expectations we (or others) have set for our lives.
And you know, I think I’ve discovered the secret of it all: maybe being a grown-up is simply admitting that you’re not one.
After all, it’s an aspirational goal, not an inevitable one.Thank you to all the grown-ups in my life … my parents, my family, mentors and co-workers.
You made me realize it’s okay to be a “work in progress!”
My family-in-law. A-MA-ZING people.
What grown-ups do YOU admire? Why?
Comments (62)
How do you just keep getting prettier and prettier with age?
I want to buy your genes. Perhaps we could trade, your genes for my soul?
lol…if we were SPEAKING, you could think I was talking about blue jeans and shoe soles. Haha. ….. Anyways.
I may make a post like this myself. Thank you for the idea!
I admire you!
@BrittMiles27 - I bet you have killer soles
My mother, for always seeing the good in every situation, and doing the best she could with the scant resources she had. And my friend Jane, who is my age but is way more ‘grown-up’, responsible and practical than I will ever be.
I admire you, you sexay lil cooking kitten! LOL I admire my grandparents. And of course I admire Snippiesblog! So that makes 4 people I look up to! LOL
Wow! That was you at 18?! Are you sure?
@casmarie - yuppers, Christmas 2000.
I look like my MOM!
@Millsanicole - awww, I admire you for being an amazing mother!
@Carolina17 - Mothers seem to have that gift! I’m glad you have such a wonderful friend … I’ve got one or two of those as well.
@SnippiesBlog - I love you, and everything you’ve been for me. Namely, an AMAZING friend.
@simply_steffy - I can’t wait to see it!
@BrittMiles27 - I don’t think I thanked you for the compliment … GRACIAS!
Definitely my parents– I felt the same way you did. I couldn’t wait to be a grown-up; hence getting married at 19, thinking that getting married made you a grown up (I of course did it for other reasons as well, lol). It definitely does not.
Great post! Your 18-year-old self made me chuckle. Little innocent BarelyJen!
Okay, what a terribly silly question, but I just noticed, in the last picture, that sweater duster you’re wearing, it wouldn’t happen to be by the brand Liz & Co. would it?
Anyway! I personally admire one of my old teachers from high school — probably because he seems knowledgable, and was one of my go-to guys in high school; and now he’s actually one of those people that I can go to when things get tough, and he’s always got somewhat decent advice.
@FortunesDaughter - *giggle* it IS! I have it in two colors!
Alas, another wonderful post!
Hmm, I’d have to say I’ve always looked up to my Grandparents (my dad’s parents). They always looked on me as a daughter, not just a granddaughter. My Granddaddy always spoiled me rotten, as did my Grandma. She passed last Feb. on my 13th anniversary of all days, but that’s definitely another time, another blog. But anyway, they were always two people I could count on, come to, etc. God undoubtedly knew what He was doing when He placed them in my life… or me in their lives. I feel humbled and honored to have been their granddaughter.
I’m hard pressed to find many grown-ups that I really admire. For one, some people don’t go up, they just grow old. And second, I’ve known people who are much more mature than their age.
Well,even though I only have 4 kids, my wife tells me she raised 5 kids
, so I guess at almost 50, I’m not a grown up yet either. I used to think my dad knew everything, I now see how he would just wing it sometimes and then some of the things I thought he was so smart at, I see since I’ve grown weren’t so difficult after all. I think growing up is just a part of an ongoing life that is growing of course 
That pic of you at 18 is really cute.
@BarelyJen - Let me guess; the other one is pink? Lol, I work at Penney’s; we sell those dusters there. I love the Liz & Co. line, personally! I think it’s great!
I was never in a hurry to grow up then I did grow up in a hurry.
At 22, I’ve been grown up longer then I’ve been an adult. Oy.
I admire my mom. She had the courage to face the unknown to protect her children and no matter what was happening has always been there for me. I never understood her sacrifices until I became a mother myself (doesn’t it always happen that way?) and I am still in awe of what she has done in her life and still doing now.
Oh and I admire my husband. For being the most serious grown up 22 man I know. Haha! He’s only 4 weeks away from being a police officer too! Crazy man I married.
@FortunesDaughter - ahh, I love you even more now.
I love this post! I’ve had to be “grown-up” for many years because of the situations that have been thrown at me. But sometimes I look back even two years ago, and I find that maybe I would have handled it differently today than I had back then.
The person I admire the most is my father. My dad was addicted to heroin and was an alcoholic when I was little. He overcame the odds and is now clean. He has been for about 12 years. I’m very proud of him for getting his life back together. He’s still not quite there yet because he’s 44 and still does not own a home, but he’s come a VERY long way from where he had been.
@Millsanicole - oooooo kiss ass!!!! Love you!
@SnippiesBlog - blog about it? LOVE YOU!
I definitely admire my parents. My mom/dad have such great attitudes about everything. They can laugh when they want to cry and they never rub it in your face when they’re right. I admire several bloggers for different reasons. Jetty for her ability to manage money and her mothering skills/ability to do it all constantly amaze me. I admire Sahel for her heart. I admire my bestie Daisy for her ability to keep me grounded when I want to run and her ability to always see the best in me.
Finally, I admire you for your wonderful marriage, you are always so supportive of your husband, it makes me want to be better with mine, your understanding, your love of animals }
your attitude despite the circumstances, I could go on and on here. I’m so glad we’ve met. One day, I’m hoping we’ll get to actually play with make-up. We’re adults, but we can still play with make-up, right?
Looking up to people is so much easier when you’re young. I admire… my mom, for staying strong through everything and teaching me to be the person I am.
@SnippiesBlog - Love you back b.a.
It’s when you have kids that you grow up. I’ve always thought that you take a part of you inner child and put it into your kid, which leaves you with a more grown up self.
You look great! I could admire you, if I wanted to. i admire this women: http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=276126065
Very sweet!
Great post! I admire my aunt and uncle, they’re more like parents to me and they have always been there for me. They always seem to know what to do, and when they don’t, they’re honest about it and they find someone who does. They are absolutely wonderful people.
That was written so well! I feel the same way, looking back on my parents they NEVER had $ problems, they could answer EVERY question I asked them. They were SO smart! It wasn’t until recently that I realized that my Dad isn’t actually perfect (and I’m 27!) In my eyes, he is perfect. But he makes mistakes. And I always thought he didn’t!! Same with my mom. My folks are my heroes. They love each of us 3 children unconditionally, always helping others, and have such a wonderful marriage with one another. If I’m ever half as good at life as they are, I’ll be happy.
being a grown up isn’t about having the right answers, but the right attitude i’d say
I was gonna be sassy and say you should be wearing *just* the apron in that one shot, but I’ll not say it.
I like this post. Gives me a warm fuzzy this morning.
My mom is the kind of grown-up I want to be. When needed, she can figure out the solution to any problem, but she’s also a BLAST to party with.
This is a great post.
At the moment, I am the only grownup in my area. No. Really.
I don’t know any! ha ha ha haaaaaaa
) I admire so many people I wouldn’t know where to start.
Excellent post! I remember, when I was little, wanting so badly to be older–because being older meant having more freedom and being grown up. Of course, you’re absolutely right: there’s a difference between being an adult and being grown up.
We’re all works-in-progress–and as long as there’s progress, we’re going in the right direction. *smile*
Great entry. I didnt understand the distinction between being and adult and being grown up for a long time. The two are certainly not always synonymous.
Great post!!! I admire my parents greatly. They have been through a lot and had to make a lot of grown up decisions. Even now, my mom takes care of others in need… not to get paid… but because she cares (She really doesn’t get paid for it). My dad has always been a rock and is just amazing. I love them. I am going to miss them when I FINALLY move out again(although I CAN NOT WAIT).
My parents have taught me more than I will ever realize! They continue to teach me. They have definitely been an inspirtation to me my entire life.
My husband, though, he is also a huge inspiration to me. Part of being a ‘grown-up’ is not throwing tantrums… er, letting things slide. Im not always very good at that. He, however, is amazing at it. Im definitely learning from him! (That, along with about a million other things, ha!)
Great post!
theres alot of people i should say but right now in my life i cant think of one and why ,oh my best friend travis his been there though my ups and downs i havent seen him in a min,he really should have been my babydaddy instad of the one i had two kids by but thats another story.
Perfect take on being a grown up! Love the post.
You know I can’t say I admire any one “grown up” and the reason why is because even as an adult there isn’t one of them that I look at and think wow that person knows what he/she is doing…all of the so called grown ups I know are merely old children!
Great post!
I really enjoyed this blog! I reckon I admire my grandparents, and my folks.
I really loved all the pictures! I really liked the 18 yr. old picture..you looked very sophisticated!
I admire the smartest man I know. My dad.
it would definitely have to be my godparents (even though my real parents are in there as well)
set #1 of godparents are married, christian, and have more children than they actually birthed. my godmother was a virgin until she met my godfather (whom she married) and my godfather was a hoe who was turned into a househusband haha. they live in my godfather’s childhood house (where my sis and mom currently live as well) and even though they’ve been through their ups and downs (almost divorce), they worked it out, and their marriage is stronger than ever
set #2, my other godfather (who is all of 30?) is accomplished as well, has his own pad and car, travels the world, and put out a number of cd’s of gospel music with his group. he shows me that at a young age, you can achieve your drams, and keep working towards them. and he also has a number of nieces and nephews, and he does not plan to have any at all haha
napolian bonaparte
My parents. If not for them I would not be the man I am today.
I love that question. I have a long list of grownups I have admired. Thank you for making me list them in my head just now. It reminds me that to some folks I am the grown up. I need to live up to the good examples that were set for me.
Excellent post, Jen.
Old Hat
I always admired my aunt-that woman could pull off anything, any where, any time. She always amazed me. She passed away when I was young, but I miss her more than anyone else in my family (and most of them are long gone). The word ‘brazen’ comes to mind when I think of her. She faced everything boldly and loved everyone shamelessly…whether they needed it or not.
Your pictures are beautiful and I think you are right on target about knowing the difference between being an adult and being a grown-up
What a thoughtful post, and even though I just turned 30 last month I have always been old. I never had a chance to really be a child or an irresponsible teen, but with my new found freedom since surgery I am beginning to see a little of what I could have been like. I guess I look up to the young people and the people my same age in my life, rather than the grown ups/adults, because I see that those bad or not so good decisions that they might be making could also be classified as life experiences too, ones that I missed. Thanks for making me think, misty
My mama, she’s amazing! She is a hard worker and she’s done sooo much for me and my kids. I should really write a blog all about her…and maybe I will…later.
I posted a picture on my site for Cas’ photo challenge! I think it fits your category best!
I don’t really admire people
I don’t know. I admire the fact that my grandpa is till living spite the fact that he was quite a heavy smoker till about a few years ago. I admire my mom for maintaining that inner child. It gets pretty annoying sometimes though. =
I admire you
….. and my grandparents, and my mom, and my….well I guess most of the adults in my family lol.
Very nice =]
I am still young and yet people have always assumed I was older than I actually am. One person hit the nail on the head when they described me as “carrying yourself that way” (as an older person)
I look up to my mom and sisters. =] I look up to my mom because she seems to be different than other moms and she has always helped me. She listens to me and gives great advice too x] I look up to my sisters because of the determination they have in life. In everything they do, they give their all.
Oh, you have nice blue eyes!! You’re a beautiful grown up!
U look like your momma.. i was just going to comment that I love your new lay out!!!! So festive and beautiful!!!
I admire my mom, for having the patience to stay-at-home and homeschool all 3 of her boys. But about grownupishness. Grownupishness is a state of mind, and I can’t say it is particularly pleasant. A childish spirit is the most sough after spirit. What was that Jesus said? Until you are like the least of these (meaning children) you will not enter the kingdom of heaven, or soemthing to that affect. ;-D
This is a great post! I actually posted a simliar blog to this, calling Looking Back. From that, you can tell that I greatly admire my parents and the way they raised me. I may not have been as close as you were to seeing them make their decisions, but with everything they taught me and passed on to me, more and more I see what an amazing job they did with me and what inspiration they will be to me, and to my children, when I have them. Wow, a lot of commas there! XP Finals + a late night = a fried brain!
And you hit the nail on the head when you said being a grown-up is knowing you arent, and wisdom is what makes you a grown up, with wisdom recognising that you arent a grown-up.
The world needs more people like you!
Oh, and great pictures
They were awesome!
Hey I was like that too when I was young
I admire my parents but of course, for all their wisdom and being able to put up someone like me 
Great post.. I wanna been grown-up too!
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