LESSONS THAT FIND YOU WITH AGE.

A Note to the Young,

There are some growths you’ll attain and understand with age.Some things in life just make more sense as you grow older. And that’s not a bad thing, it’s just part of how life works.

Like a child who grows from one stage to the other, trees that grow one ring at a time, flowers that bloom with time, growth don’t happen overnight no matter how much we want them to hurry up.

You can try to rush understanding, try to skip ahead, but some lessons only settle in after time, experience, and even a few mistakes. It’s like trying to pick fruit before it’s ripe, sometimes you have to wait for the season to change.

As you grow, you’ll start to notice things shift inside you. For example, when you’re younger, it feels important to always be right, to win the argument, to prove yourself. But with time, you realize not every battle is worth your energy. Choosing peace, walking away, or simply listening instead of reacting, those become quiet signs of strength, not weakness.

Friendships will change. Some people will walk beside you for years. Others will drift away. That doesn’t mean something is wrong, it just means life is always moving, and not everyone is meant to stay forever. Try to be grateful for the time you had, and trust that new people will come who match the version of who you’re becoming.

Most importantly, be kind to yourself. When you’re young, it’s easy to be hard on who you are and who you’re not. But one day, you’ll look back and realize how brave you were just trying to figure things out. Don’t wait until you’re older to give yourself that grace, start now.

So if you’re young and reading this, here’s some advice.

Be curious but not in a rush. Growth isn’t a race. The things you don’t understand now will become clearer in time.

Let yourself change. You’re not meant to stay the same. Evolving is part of living.

Don’t rush.
Somethings in life just can’t be rushed no matter how much you want them to hurry up. Learn, stumble, try again and little by little, you’ll become stronger and wiser.

Ask questions.
There’s no shame in not knowing but there’s wisdom in wanting to learn.

Don’t fear mistakes. They’re often the best teachers you’ll ever have.

Don’t compare yourself with others. Just like plants don’t bloom all at once, people grow at different speeds. Let yourself grow through the process even when it’s slow and confusing.

Trust that you’re becoming, even when it doesn’t feel like it.

Some growth only comes with age, and it’s okay to be patient till then. Life isn’t asking you to have it all figured out right now. Just keep showing up, keep learning, and keep growing.

So take a breath, let yourself grow, you’re doing better than you think.

✍️ Amara Ann Unachukwu.