I was flipping through the diaries I wrote as a teenager before bed tonight, and I realized how full of energy I used to be. Back then, even though I was under a lot of pressure, I was always hopeful about the future. Now, life feels pretty dull—just the same repetitive routines day after day. Then it hit me: maybe this is what growing up looks like?

I know the way I realized this feels a bit on the negative side, but I’m curious how others see growth. Has there ever been a moment when you suddenly felt like you weren’t the same person anymore? I use diaries to track my changes—what about you?