We often think of maturity as being older, maybe developed too, or highly intelligent.  Truth be told though, some of our parents are a whole lot less mature than we are. It has nothing to do with age, it has to do with life experience.

From the way I see it at least, being mature is being honest with those around you, and most importantly with yourself. Being mature means being self-aware about our place in the world and our roles as human beings. It means seeing outside of yourself, understanding the bigger picture, and not feeling the need to make problems for others.

Being mature means knowing how to accept those around you, as well as yourself. It means to not judge others, and to not let the flaws or qualities affect the way that you will conduct yourself or feel about yourself. It means that you know your worth, and that you are a unique independent person that has their own skills to offer, without being overly cocky. To be mature is to not be jealous, not to envy, and not to wish evil upon anyone. It’s to hope the best for everyone.

To be mature is to live your own life in the way that you please because that’s what’s best for you. To be mature is to stand up for what you believe in and not do something because that’s what everyone else is doing.

To be mature is to take care of yourself, even when it’s not always the most convenient. To be mature is to know when to say no, and when to make compromises in the right situation.  It means knowing wrong from right, and trusting your own instinct. It means learning from your mistakes, rather than dwelling on them and feeling guilty.