What are you gonna be when you grow up?

Standard question. Usually posed to a six-year-old. Generally by someone who doesn't want to be talking to a six-year-old.

The predictable answers-- a teacher, police officer, whatever profession mommy or daddy are currently 'suggesting'--not so much the problem. The real issue? The casual planting, into young impressionable minds, of a universally belief that can easily torture them for the rest of their lives.

This concept of 'be-ing' when you 'grow up'.

Because, truth is, aren't you just raising more questions? Like when do you grow up? And how are you supposed to 'be' once you get there?

I'd hazard a guess most people believe the growing up part is supposed to be over and done with by 40. Wanna hazard a guess at the most depressed group of people in the United States according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention? Yes siree. The grown-ups: ages 40-59. Coincidence? Highly doubtful.

So, hey, here's a radical thought. Maybe we need to stop gauging our progress by preconceived notions and assumptions that are supposed to go along with maturity. You know, those physical, financial and professional benchmarkers ripe for self-comparison and self-loathing.

And maybe if you stop worrying about what you're going to be when you grow up, you can focus on the real task at hand.

Of just fricken growing.