I must add that many adults (not a bad thing) become grown-ups (a bad thing) when they see themselves as in capable of being “real.” They can no longer “play” and “pretend” and therefore their imagination is crippled.

You see kids call it “pretending” and adults call it “goal setting” or “dreaming” and grown-ups call it “un-realistic.”

I spend a lot of time speaking to teachers, parents, counselors and children… Because I have not lost my “child-like-perspective” I have what I call the pied-piper effect with the kids. The “grown-ups” are dismissive to the children –almost patronizing!

Imagine how you would feel if a large individual approached you and patted the top of your head and said something meaningless like “oh my you are getting big?” The child typically reacts the same way and (at least inside) rolls their eyes and acts like they appreciate being noticed.

Why can’t grown-ups understand that every human want to be respected (regardless of their age or position in life).

I would propose Jason… that a grown-up has lost the ability to be REAL… Think of the classic “Velveteen Rabbit!” These poor souls need to be real – without the ability to be real the GROWN-UPs have forfeited fun, joy, imagination and their dreams.

So as Peter Pan sings: “I won’t grow up…” or to quote you “I won’t become obsolete!”

Warmly,
Michael Scott Karpovich