Growing in Hindsight

I've grown in hindsight.

Never realizing in the moment

that I was ever-changing,

ever-improving,

ever-learning.

Friends and family have exclaimed

"You've gotten so big!"

"I haven't seen you since you were this tall!"

And I shrugged it off

until one day I was packing for college,

going through old photo albums,

rediscovering my once-favorite games,

even coming across old poems,

that I've realized how much I've changed-

how much I've grown-

since I was only

"this tall."

And I remember the times

that the worst pain was falling off my bike

and the greatest accomplishment

was winning a game of hide and seek.

And though sometimes I long for these simpler times,

I realize how grateful I am 

for the retrospection

and reflection

that only growing can teach a person to appreciate.

I often stay awake at night

thinking of all the ways I've grown

in respect to where I am 

on this journey of life,

and all the accomplishments,

all the mistake,

all the changes,

and all the decisions,

that brought me here.

I think of all the friends I've gained

and the ones I've grown out of

and I wish them all success and growth.

I think of my diploma,

hanging right above my desk,

and I remember my first day of high school-

how scared I was,

how different I was.

And I think of my gray bedroom walls

that once were neon green

and covered with stickers and drawings.

I remember how I dreaded painting over those walls

but I knew it was time.

And thats what growing up is all about.

Knowing that it's time.

And as we grow

This statement will make us feel

a whirlwind of emotions.

Often bitter-sweet.

And often frightened.

Growing up in hindsight

has allowed me to know when it's time to change

and being able to later look back

and see that I am better for it.