People change. Yes, we do change as we grow up, whether it's about how we look or how we perceive things. Being an adult, jealousy over how kids are living their childhood becomes more vivid, especially when you realize how much harder it is to navigate this cruel world. As children, we were convinced that being an adult would be this thrilling adventure, full of money and freedom. Little did we know that the reality of adulting-earning a living, paying bills, managing responsibilities-was a whole different ballgame. And honestly? I sometimes find myself missing the simpler days when being told to go to bed was the most stressful thing I had to deal with.
Things I Find Therapeutic as I Grow Up
Reflecting on my childhood, there are definitely some therapeutic things I now yearn for, things I used to dread as a kid.
Bed Time
I remember how my mother used to scold me if she knew that I hadn't closed my eyes by 10 p.m. "Why can't we just stay awake at night like the grown-ups do with their televisions?" I'd ask, as if that would somehow be more fun. But now, adulthood has given me a deep appreciation for bedtime. Gone are the days of sneaking under the covers with a flashlight to read another chapter of my favorite book or watching the clock tick slowly as I tried to will myself to fall asleep.
Now, heading to bed is the highlight of my day. There's something so peaceful about sinking into your sheets, the weight of the day finally lifting off your shoulders. Sometimes, it's just about scrolling through TikTok or Twitter until your eyes start to feel heavy, and other times, it's about laying there in silence, knowing that tomorrow is another day to face. But no matter how you look at it, sleep is a sweet, sweet therapy.
Doing Nothing
When I was younger, I had this compulsive need to be busy. There was always something to do, some game to play, some homework to finish, or some friends to hang out with. But as an adult, I've come to appreciate the art of doing absolutely nothing. There's something incredibly therapeutic about just existing for a while. No phone, no obligations, no pressure. It's like giving your mind and body a mini vacation, even if it's just for an hour.
Doing nothing isn't laziness but it's a reset button. Whether it's lying on the couch and letting my thoughts wander or just sitting outside with a cup of matcha latte, I've realized that doing nothing is often what I need the most in this chaotic world. Sometimes, you just need a break from your own thoughts-and I love that I can now give myself permission to do it.
Nap Time
Ah, nap time. As a kid, I never understood why my parents were so insistent on a mid-day nap. What was the point of lying down when there were so many more exciting things to do? Fast forward to adulthood, and I now envy those sweet afternoon naps like they're precious treasures.
There's something so rejuvenating about shutting everything off for 20 minutes and just letting yourself drift away into that warm, cozy state of in-between. It's like hitting the reset button on your day. A nap can turn a bad mood into a good one, and a tired brain into a refreshed one. It's the simplest act of self-care, and as an adult, I now see it as the luxury it truly is.
Cleaning
When I was younger, cleaning was a chore I dreaded. The constant reminders from my mom to pick up after myself felt like a never-ending sentence. I would have much rather been outside playing or watching cartoons. But as an adult, there's something oddly therapeutic about cleaning.
The rhythmic motions of tidying up, whether it's folding clothes, scrubbing the dishes, or vacuuming the floors, have this almost meditative quality to them. Cleaning gives me a sense of accomplishment, and when everything is in its place, I feel lighter, more in control of my environment. It's like putting my life in order.. Sometimes, cleaning is the only thing that helps me feel like I've got my life together-if only for a few minutes.
Rainy Days
As a kid, rainy days were a huge letdown. The stormy skies and relentless downpour meant no outdoor play, no bike rides, and certainly no trips to friend's house. But as an adult, I've come to love rainy days. There's something so comforting about being inside while the world outside is soaking wet.
The sound of raindrops against the window, the smell of wet earth, and the cozy atmosphere it creates make rainy days feel like the perfect excuse to slow down. Whether it's curled up with a book or watching a movie, there's a peacefulness in rain that's hard to replicate. It's like the universe is giving you a reason to pause, breathe, and reset. When the world outside slows down, it somehow gives me permission to do the same.
Silence
Lastly, there's silence. As a child, I remember being surrounded by noise-whether it was the chatter of friends, the constant hum of the TV, or the sounds of the neighborhood. It felt like there was always something going on, and I thought that was normal. Now, though, silence feels like a precious gift. In adulthood, it's rare.
There's always something demanding our attention-work emails, social media notifications, or the endless to-do list. But when I find those moments of pure silence, I realize how therapeutic they are. It's a chance to tune into my thoughts, to breathe deeply without the chaos around me, and to simply be present. Whether it's a quiet morning before the world wakes up or a few moments alone in a quiet room, silence helps me recharge and reconnect with myself.
As I grow older, I find myself looking back on the things I once took for granted-things I thought were boring, pointless, or annoying. Bedtime, doing nothing, naps, cleaning, rainy days, and silence were all once just things that filled up the time. But now, they are the simple joys that make life feel a little more manageable. They're moments of peace, reminders to slow down in a fast-paced world. Maybe adulthood isn't all it's cracked up to be, but I've learned to find the beauty in the small, everyday moments that used to seem insignificant. And honestly, I wouldn't trade that peace for anything.
