You hear it in songs. You see it in movies. You hear politicians and leaders reminisce about the "good old days." It's all overrated. Here's why:

Each day you learn something new. You develop your sense of self.

You discover who you truly are. Obviously, it isn't easy, when you begin to question your morals, your destiny, your PURPOSE. But, yearning to be little again when none of these situations were bothersome to you is just a way to run from your problems.

You have to accept the need to discover your potential. You have to acknowledge the voices in your head that are trying to figure out where your integrity and values lie. You have to accept that each day, each experience you have, each relationship you create, will in some way or another alter your mindset.

The brain is pretty amazing; without our conscious realization, it comprehends, it reacts, it develops, it CHANGES. Just because we have grown up, even when we are 20, 40, or 60, we are never done changing.

Sure, maybe our physical growth has ceased, and maybe it has even decayed. But age gives you the ability to grow mentally, to develop self-discipline, to develop a greater sense of empathy and sympathy. Each day presents a new opportunity to work on yourself.

Things weren't all happy and glorified when you were little, either.

I'm not saying your every day life is easier than it was when you were a child. Today you may worry about grades, bills, where to fit in shopping for groceries in between laundry, going to an appointment, and cleaning the house AND still getting a recommended 8 hours of sleep each night. (Ugh!) As an adult you worry about terrorism and your safety, and maybe have less bliss doing every day activities than when you were a child.

But, childhood is the epitome of simplistic pleasures and instant gratification. Have you ever seen how miserable a child is after his mother tells him he can't have a lollipop? Or how he explodes with negative emotion when he wakes up from a nap.

Do you really want to go back to a time when being told "no" meant you would break down? Or do you want to remain in a time when being told no is just another fuel to your fire; another reason to prove your point and your worth?

Childhood was a time when you were dependent, sometimes VERY dependent (ask your parents), on others. You could not get through a single day without your parents reminding you to take a bath, to read to you, to check your homework, and to cut your food.

Independence is the most important aspect of someone's life. Having a sense of self, a sense of self worth, and an appreciation for your conscience is what will make you happy. Strict dependency leads to failure.

If your mind is stuck at the age where you can't function without someone reminding you to, all you will be faced with is fear, anxiety, and a lack of progress. You'll fear being on your own; you'll fear having to make your own decisions, presenting yourself, and defending your opinions. Your mind will prevent you from progressing, enabling you only to remain in a safe zone, under the wing of someone else.

Age is a hard concept to accept and wrap your head around. Time is fleeting. But, with that time comes an abundance of experiences that mold you into the person you should proudly be.