As I sat in my room on the morning of my 16th birthday,

I couldn’t help but think back on my childhood memories:

A little scooter leaning against a wall of my garage, 

How I used to blow carefree bubbles outside in the backyard,

My dear white polar bear lying on an empty bed,

And the messy sketches of rainbows on my driveway…

Good-bye, innocence!

All the wonders,

Giggles,

Adventures,

Secrets,

Toys,

Crayons,

Coloring books,

Playgrounds,

And playdates!

As I wonder about my future as an adult now,

I can’t help but think about all the challenges and uncertainties 

that lie ahead:

All the unknown achievements and failures,

All the new people I will meet,

And all the undiscovered paths I will have to face.

Hello, adulthood!

All the constant worries, 

Doubts, 

Responsibilities,

Business suits,

Demands,

Deadlines, 

Burnouts, 

Anxieties, 

And Pressures…