Maturity: Leaving The Past To Take The Present With Responsibility

Have you ever wondered what it really means to “grow up”? Beyond birthdays, maturity is a deeper process that invites us to stop living from the past and assume the present with responsibility.

But how is this state of consciousness achieved? What does it imply in terms of our emotions, decisions and relationships with others? In this article we will explore the meaning of maturity from an integrated perspective, how the dynamics of the “child self” and the “adult self” manifest, as well as what can help us travel that path to assume life as an act of responsibility. staff.

What is maturity?

Maturity is not a definitive and absolute state that is achieved overnight, but rather it is a continuous process of growth that encompasses multiple dimensions of our lives. Being mature does not mean having achieved perfection, nor having all the answers, but rather having developed an ability to face and act in life from awareness, integrity and responsibility.

It is a dynamic balance that is reflected in how we manage our emotions, we face our thoughts and relate to ourselves, others and the world in general. We can then talk about maturity in several dimensions.

On an emotional level, it means recognizing, accepting and regulating emotions without repressing them or letting them dominate us, addressing conflicts with empathy and respect. On a mental level, it involves cultivating an open and reflective mind, capable of questioning beliefs and developing critical thinking, as well as seeking new perspectives to broaden one’s vision with more understanding.

At a social level, it means building relationships based on mutual respect, authenticity and clear limits, valuing one’s own and others’ needs. On a spiritual level, it symbolizes connecting with a deeper purpose, transcending the ego, accepting uncertainty and living with peace, gratitude and connection with something greater than ourselves. On a personal and action level, it means take responsibility for our choices, abandoning victimhood and acting with autonomy towards our goals and values.

These dimensions do not operate in isolation, but are interconnected. All together they make up a state of balance and authenticity that allows us to face life with greater clarity and purpose.

The Child Self and the Adult Self: Internal dynamics of growth

Multiple facets coexist within each of us, but two of the most important to understand maturity are the “child self” and the “adult self.” These internal representations reflect our ways of relating to ourselves, others and life.

The “child self” is the part that stores the emotions, beliefs and experiences of our childhood. This position is often vulnerable, reactive, and sometimes impulsive. It seeks protection, approval and comfort, but it can also cause us to repeat patterns learned in the past, such as blaming others or avoiding responsibility. Although the “child self” is a source of authenticity and connection to our deepest emotions, it is not designed to lead our adult life.

On the other hand, the “adult self” represents our ability to consciously respond to circumstances, making decisions aligned with our present reality and our values. The “adult self” does not ignore the emotions of the “child self,” but neither does it allow them to dominate its actions. This archetype helps us accept the past, establish healthy boundaries, and act from responsibility, without getting caught up in narratives of victimhood or blame.

The transition from “child self” to “adult self” does not mean rejecting our past or our most vulnerable part. It means looking at, recognizing, accepting and lovingly integrating our experiences to live with greater freedom and authenticity.

Path to maturity and responsibility: living in the present

A key sign of maturity is the ability to let go of the past and live fully in the present. This does not mean ignoring the wounds or difficulties we have gone through, but rather resignifying those experiences so that they stop binding us and defining us.

Leaving the past in its place implies, first of all, honestly acknowledging it. We cannot change what happened, but we can transform our relationship with it. Many times we carry beliefs or emotions that originated in our childhood, and these can influence our decisions without us realizing it. Accepting these wounds, without judging or reproaching ourselves, is an essential step to move forward.

From that acceptance, the possibility of forgiveness arises. Forgiveness is not an act towards others, but rather it is an act of liberation towards ourselves: letting go of resentment and the need for justice for experiences that can no longer be changed. This process frees us from invisible chains and allows us to assume the present with greater lightness.

Finally, living in the present means acting from consciousness. When we mature, we stop waiting for external circumstances to define us or give us what we need. Instead of reacting impulsively, we choose to respond with clarity and balance, taking responsibility for our emotions, decisions, actions, and relationships.

Conclusion: The freedom that comes with maturity

Maturing is a continuous process of integration and learning. By moving from the “child self” to the “adult self,” we stop living from the wounds of the past and begin to build a life in the present, marked by responsibility and authenticity.

Maturity is a daily commitment to life. It is the ability to take responsibility for our lives and accept that we have the power to consciously respond to what happens instead of reacting. It is leaving the past and instead taking the present with awareness. It means setting limits and learning to say “yes” or “no” from a place of conviction, without feeling guilty or afraid of the reaction of others.

Are you willing to take responsibility for your life? The path may be full of learning experiences, but the reward is the freedom and fulfillment of living true to who you really are.