When you used to spend the entire day breathing in the fresh ocean air and watching the boats pass by;

when you would socialize with friends and family as you spend all your afternoons at the beaches and the farmers markets;

when you see the island kids that you’ve watched grow up over the years wide eyed trying to pick a flavor out at the local the ice cream shop, watching from a distance seeing your younger self in those eyes of pure excitement;

when you find your perception of time warped as you see the kids you used to babysit learning to drive cars, and the boats and the mountains you used to see begin to get smaller in your growing eyes, and you see yourself begin to branch off and do the things you used to dream and anticipate doing, and your opinions and perspectives change as your mind continues to develop and mature;

when you start to prioritize work amongst your once freeing schedule of friends and family;

when you begin to struggle to see the reality of growing up;

when that reality has now arrived at your front doorstep and there is no longer free days and afternoons to relax on beaches and feel the warm ocean breeze on your sunburnt cheeks;

when you look back on the freedom and clear mind you once had, the nostalgia bringing a sense of bittersweetness across your body;

when you come to terms with the inevitable growth that has been sprung against you;

when you are forever fighting and dreaming of feeling the once free and calm mind you had as a child

— then you will understand why we find it difficult to grow up.