Isn’t it funny how when we’re young, we can’t WAIT to grow up… and then the moment we get here, we realize we made a very unqualified, very rushed decision?
Like… who approved this?
I remember my mom used to say this one line that used to get under my skin every single time:
“Stay in a child’s place!”
Whew. That sentence? It used to irritate my soul.
Now, did I say anything out loud? Absolutely not.
Because one thing my mama didn’t do… was PLAY.
But in my head? Oh, I had a whole attitude.
“Girl, you stay in a child’s place,” I’d mumble to myself… because I also enjoyed living.
Looking back now… I wish I would’ve listened.
Actually, let me be honest, I don’t know if it was bad listening skills or if I just had a natural gift for doing the EXACT opposite of what I was told.
My mom said, “Don’t overspend on your first credit card. Make small purchases and pay it back.”
And what did I do?
Baby, I went to the mall and slid across that floor like Usher in the You Don’t Have to Call video… and ran that card UP.
Hello Kitty everywhere.
Cute Nikes from Kids Footlocker (don’t judge me, my feet are small and I stand by it).
Living my BEST financially irresponsible life.
She said, “Don’t act up at school.”
Meanwhile, the teacher steps out for two seconds and I’m standing on top of my desk like I’m auditioning for a role that does not exist.
Passing notes that would’ve gotten me grounded for LIFE.
And them dark classroom movie days? Yeah… we’re gonna leave that between me and Jesus (and my classmates).
She said, “Don’t drink until you’re of age.”
And me?
In middle school… in the girls’ bathroom… making very poor decisions.
I’m sorry, Mom. FOR REAL.
But ANYWAY…
Now here I am, grown, responsible (sometimes), and catching myself saying,
“If only I could go back…”
And I hate to be the one to tell you this but…
you can’t.
No rewind. No do-overs. No “let me just fix that one thing real quick.”
But what you CAN do… is remember.
I remember my Aunt Sharonda (RIP) trying to get all of us cousins together every weekend. Sometimes it worked, sometimes it didn’t, but when it did? Those were the BEST times.
I remember watching Waist Deep with Tyrese Gibson and being completely locked in like it was the movie of the year. Me and my aunt talked about it like we were film critics.
I remember when me and my cousins Baeyonna, Shalice, and little Bria thought it was a GREAT idea to get chased by dogs for fun.
Why?
I don’t know.
We needed hobbies.
One time I hopped a gate that was definitely taller than me (adrenaline is real), just to land on the other side and find ANOTHER dog waiting.
Another time we jumped on somebody’s car, and the man came outside yelling,
“Get off my car!”
And I said, “I’m not getting down. Do YOU see that dog?!”
Plot twist:
It was HIS dog.
He grabbed it. Put it on a chain.
And I reconsidered all my life choices in that moment.
Those were the days though…
Outside until the streetlights came on.
Riding bikes around the neighborhood.
Playing football at the school field.
Skating, rollerblading, living life.
And if you were thirsty?
Go ahead and turn on that water hose and keep it moving.
Now?
Kids don’t even go outside like that.
And truthfully… the world doesn’t feel the same.
Back then, danger existed… but it didn’t feel like it does now.
These days, you can’t even look away for a minute without worrying.
And that part?
That part hurts.
Because more than anything… I miss the moments we didn’t know were moments.
I was in such a rush to grow up that I forgot to slow down and just be.
And now I get it…
“Stay in a child’s place” wasn’t about control.
It was about protection.
It was about peace.
It was about enjoying a season that you will NEVER get back.
And if I could go back?
I’d stay outside a little longer.
Laugh a little louder.
Worry a whole lot less.
But since I can’t…
I’m learning how to slow down now.
Because life doesn’t wait.
And growing up?
It’ll happen whether you’re ready or not.
So, if you’re in a good moment…
don’t rush it.
Live in it.
Because one day…
you’re gonna look back and realize…
That was the place you were supposed to stay in all along.
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