I believe we are fully adulthood when: 

We can be authentic with all people, including our parents, treating all others respectfully as equals, despite rank, position or the apparent lack of it.

We respect mutuality and equality, and want both in all of our relationships.

We have acknowledged our hurts, grieved appropriately, and decided to live to the fullest. 

We can delay gratification.

We have stopped blaming others for the condition of our lives, especially our parents. 

Ambiguity, mystery, and uncertainty are allies, not enemies. We can hold seemingly conflicting thoughts and beliefs without becoming unsettled.

We are able to recognize when and how we were victimized but no longer think, speak, feel, or behave like victims.

We have a small group of people to whom we talk about almost everything, but feel no compulsion to tell anyone everything.

We stop apologizing for things for which we could never be held responsible and efficiently clear up misunderstandings. 

We can see that all things are related and are therefore hesitant to apply quick solutions to complex problems. We respect the law of unexpected consequences.

We learn to appreciate and love “the moment” rather than live as if we are perpetually waiting for a day when things will be better.

We can perceive when others do not have our best interests at heart yet remain appropriately engaged with such people.

Posted on March 26, 2023 at 8:45 am in Blended families, Boundaries, Communication, Differentiation, Education, Family, Friendship, Grace, Leadership, Listening, Love, Parenting/Children, Triangles   |  RSS feed |   Reply   |   Trackback URL