6 Reasons Millennials Should Embrace The Inevitability Of Getting Old

We all have a fear of the unknown, especially when it comes to getting older.

That’s why it makes sense we all miss our stress-free childhoods, when the only decision we had to make was what flavor Capri Sun we wanted, and whether or not we should play freeze tag or hide-and-seek.

The reality of it is, we all have to take that next step into the unknown at some point, whether we’re ready to or not.

But, the unknown is a beautiful thing. If our lives were scripted, we would have no purpose.

It’s the unknown that drives us and encourages us to be our best.

Getting older has always been viewed as a negative thing, but it's actually quite the opposite.

Although we lose some simple things, we gain more than we give up in the big picture.

Here are six reasons why it’s okay to get older:

1. Independence

We were all used to our backyards or local parks being our playgrounds. As we get older, the whole world turns into our playground.

But, we all have a different definition of what the world is.

The world could be a different country, a different state, a different city or even a new part of your hometown.

It’s now up to you to decide where you want to call home, but it doesn’t stop there.

Growing older also means you’re free to work in the field of your choice, travel to the locations of your choice and live the lifestyle of your choice.

As you can see, we’ve all come a long way from our moms packing our lunches and picking out our clothes for school.

2. Money

From stashing your weekly $5 allowance in the 401(k) that is your mattress to having real money in a real bank, our financial situations have advanced.

Although you’ll now have bills and rent to pay, you’ll also have money to do whatever you want.

If you want to save it for bills, great. If you want to invest it, even better.

If you want to blow it at the bar, it’s probably not the best play. But, it’s your money. I’m not a financial advisor, so go for it.

Just know that whatever you decide to do with it, you won’t wake up to an angry text from your parents scolding you for blowing your monthly allowance in one weekend.

3. Memories

Without the process of getting older, we would have no memories to look back on or any reason to reminisce about the old days.

When we were young, life was so simple that we didn’t even realize we were in some of our greatest years.

Therefore, if we never grew out of those years, we would never know how great they really were.

As the saying goes, too much of a good thing is a bad thing.

4. Opportunity

As you get older, every day turns into a new chance to make a name for yourself.

You never know when you’re going to catch your big break or get an opportunity to prove what you can do.

This idea keeps us at our best and helps us to remain hopeful for what the next day may have in store for us.

You never know if your opportunity is going to come today or in 10 years, but this hope gives us a reason to stay optimistic and keep working hard.

5. Changing Tide

We all wanted to be older when we were young, just like we all want to be younger now that we're old.

The truth is, we’re never going to be fully satisfied.

But don’t forget that at one point in time, this is exactly where you wished you were.

By nature, we all want what we can’t have.

The key is to find a way to enjoy what is directly in front of you, which growing older and gaining independence allows you to dictate.

Instead of dwelling on the past, go out and set yourself up for the best future you possibly can.

6. Life Cycle

With all the decisions you’re making, there’s always a higher goal you’re working toward.

That goal is to eventually give children of your own the best opportunity possible to have a great childhood like you once did.

You decide when that will be, where that will be and with whom that will be.

But, every step you take in the process of getting older will one day benefit the next generation.

All we can do is cherish the good times, learn from the bad times and hope that when all's said and done, we can look back on the life we've built in the same way we look back on our childhood.