At any age, you are growing up at some level, but as far as

"At any age, you are growing up at some level, but as far as maturing and growing up, a lot of that happens in your 20s: a lot of mistakes still to make and insecurities. But at around 27, I started to come into my own as a real adult." These words by Miriam Shor encapsulate the truth about the nature of growth and maturity—that the journey to becoming a fully realized adult is neither linear nor confined to a specific age. Shor’s reflection on the age of 27 speaks to the moment when she finally began to feel, not just older, but deeply anchored in herself, having navigated the struggles, insecurities, and mistakes that often come with early adulthood. At 27, she found a sense of clarity and self-assurance that had eluded her in her earlier years.

The 20s, as Shor describes, are a time of transition—a period when we are neither fully children nor fully adults. In this stage, one makes mistakes, faces doubts, and wrestles with a growing sense of identity. It is a decade of exploration, where we seek to understand who we are, what we believe in, and where we fit into the world. In this respect, the 20s are a preparation for the deeper and more settled maturity that follows. It is a time of intense self-discovery, but also one of insecurities and unresolved questions. It is when we are most vulnerable to failure, yet also when we gain the greatest insights into our potential.

Consider the life of Alexander the Great, who, though he ascended to power at a young age, experienced formidable struggles with self-doubt and the burden of leadership during his early years. At the age of 20, Alexander led his army into the Persian Empire, a monumental task for someone so young. Yet, it was only as he matured—through his victories and the mistakes he made along the way—that he began to understand the deeper responsibility that came with his power. Like Shor, Alexander’s growth into a true leader did not happen immediately, but over time, through the trials and experiences of his youth. It was only in his later years that he came to be truly comfortable in his identity as a ruler.

In the same vein, Socrates spent much of his early life questioning the world around him, experimenting with different ideas, and experiencing failure and frustration. His greatest wisdom, however, came not in the confidence of his early adulthood but in his later years, when he embraced his ignorance and acknowledged that true wisdom comes from recognizing how much we have yet to learn. His story, like Shor’s, reveals that growth and maturity are not static states, but evolving processes that deepen as we age. We are always, to some degree, “growing up,” yet the true maturity of the soul often arrives later, through experience, reflection, and learning from past mistakes.

The reflection that Shor offers us also speaks to the fact that maturity is not a sudden, sharp transition but a gradual unfolding—a shift in which we begin to accept ourselves fully, flaws and all. At around the age of 27, Shor felt that she finally stepped into her own, much as a tree grows from the seedling stage to a robust plant, shedding its fragility and reaching toward its fullest expression. This realization suggests that real adulthood does not merely come with age but through the acceptance of one’s imperfections, the courage to stand firm in one’s identity, and the wisdom that emerges from living through trials and errors.

The lesson for us is clear: maturity is not a destination, but a process that unfolds through time. It is not defined by how old we are, but by how well we have come to understand ourselves and the world around us. Youth is the time for exploration, for making mistakes and confronting insecurities—all of which are necessary for our eventual growth. But true adulthood is achieved not by the simple passage of time, but through our ability to integrate our experiences, learn from our mistakes, and embrace our true selves. Just as Shor’s moment of realization came at 27, we too must recognize that growth is something we must cultivate with patience and self-awareness.

In practical terms, the lesson is to embrace the journey of self-discovery without rushing the process. Mistakes are an essential part of growth, and insecurities are natural companions on the path to maturity. Each step we take toward understanding who we are and what we value is a step toward true adulthood. Rather than measuring ourselves by external standards or by the mistakes of youth, we must learn to value the wisdom that comes with time, reflection, and the courage to grow. Adulthood is not something we achieve through years alone, but through the experiences that shape us and the lessons we learn along the way.

In conclusion, Miriam Shor’s reflection is a reminder that growing up is not an event but a continuous evolution, and that true maturity often comes later in life, after a time of struggle, uncertainty, and growth. Let us all embrace our journey with patience, knowing that each phase of life offers valuable lessons. Just as the ancients understood, we too must honor the process of becoming, knowing that with each passing year, we grow closer to our truest selves, fully grounded in the wisdom that comes from living with intention and reflection.