The beauty in growing up.

Being so young, happy, and carefree,

those are the words describing my childhood memories.

From the final days of first grade, 

where we would throw class parties and drink kool-aid.

To the moments before graduation,

where our young, ever-changing lives were just starting their formation.

Each and every year holds priceless memories of lots of laughs, smiles and tears

that have helped define the person we want to become.

Not only now but for the next twenty years and then some. 

The most important thing I’ve learned so far, 

is that we define who we want to be and who we “truly” are.

So maybe if some of these childhood moments were not the best,

now is the time we can hold onto the ones we love, and put the others to rest. 

Because now it is time for the next chapter of life,

for us to take that next stepping stone,

to become who it is we aspire to be, and to cherish this new unknown.