MATURITY

Definition of Maturity:
the quality or state of being mature, / behaving mentally and emotionally like an adult.

Synonyms of Maturity:
adult, elderly, in full bloom, grown up, sophisticated, wise, ready, etc.

These notes are from recovery in AA and/or related 12 step programs.
Readers are encouraged to click external links for more detail.
We hope you find them helpful.

Love in fellowship.

Like fine cheese, we wait, as we grow older, to ripen properly. Maturity arrives when we understand that some of the goals we thought were crucial are really unattainable, and that it really doesn’t matter. Maturity is a frame of mind where we learn to be pleased with what we can accomplish.    –One More Day | More…

We are learning and growing when we accept our mistakes graciously and immediately move to correct them. Most of the time, when this is done, the distress passes quickly and we can go on to other matters. –Walk In Dry Places/Mel B | More…

Maturity is an “as if” behavior, initially. Emotional development was stunted, for most of us, with the onset of our addictive behavior, thus, we often respond to situations like adolescents.

When my behavior embarrasses or shames me, I will accept the responsibility for changing it. Changing it offers immediate rewards. –Each Day a New Beginning/Karen Casey | More…

Being in error now and then is part of our human existence. But the worst mistake is the refusal, or denial, of responsibility for mistakes.

This comes from a strange belief that we can erase the mistake by refusing to accept it. It may stem from the belief that we should be above mistakes. This is immature thinking.

Many oldsters who have put our A.A. “booze cure” to severe but successful tests still find they often lack emotional sobriety. To attain this, we must develop real maturity and balance (which is to say, humility) in our relations with ourselves, with our fellows, and with God. For not only has God saved us from alcoholism; the world has received us back into its citizenship. –As Bill Sees It | More… (p.244)