Becoming Real: How Pinocchio’s Journey Mirrors Our Own
Growing up hits differently when you’re in your late 20s or early 30s. You look back and realize how much you’ve changed — or maybe how much you haven’t. Last week, on a whim, I rewatched Pinocchio (the one from 1940). It’s a story we all know, but revisiting it as an adult feels different. Beneath the tale, it’s a profound exploration of the messy, unglamorous process of becoming “real” — not just physically, but emotionally and spiritually. This article is a reflection I wrote after watching the show.
The Struggle to Find Yourself
Pinocchio starts as a blank slate, with a simple desire: to become a “real boy.” But what does that even mean? For him, and for us, it’s about identity. Who am I? What do I want? What does it mean to be “real”? What does it mean to be an adult?
In our 20s and 30s, we’re often still figuring this out. We take jobs, quit jobs, move to new cities, make new friends, lose old ones, and fall in and out of relationships — all in search of something that feels authentic. Pinocchio’s journey reflects this search. He stumbles, makes bad decisions, and gets lost (literally and figuratively). But through it all, he keeps moving forward, learning who he is along the way.
The Allure of Quick Fixes
One of the most memorable parts of Pinocchio is Pleasure Island, where boys indulge in endless fun, free from rules and responsibilities. It’s a trap, of course, and they eventually pay the price — turning into donkeys when they overindulge.
Pleasure Island feels a lot like the distractions we face as adults. The temptation to avoid responsibility is real — whether it’s staying in a job that’s “good enough,” chasing superficial goals, or numbing yourself with Netflix, social media, video games, or endless nights out. These quick fixes feel good in the moment, but they can leave you stuck, wondering why you haven’t moved forward.
Perhaps, growing up means recognizing when it’s time to leave Pleasure Island behind. It’s not about abandoning fun, but about finding meaning and balance — pursuing things that bring lasting fulfillment instead of fleeting gratification.
Your Inner Conscience (and Why It’s So Annoying)
Jiminy Cricket is a funny little character, but he’s also profoundly relatable. He’s not some all-knowing guru; he’s a slightly frazzled, often ignored voice of conscience. He represents that little voice in your head that pipes up when you’re about to make a bad call, the one you sometimes wish you could mute.
As we grow up, learning to listen to that voice becomes essential. It’s not always easy — our inner Jiminy doesn’t always shout; sometimes it whispers. But when we pay attention, it helps us make choices that align with who we really want to be. It’s a skill we refine over time, often by ignoring it first and learning the hard way.
The Transformation That Matters
Pinocchio’s ultimate transformation — from a wooden puppet to a real boy — is what we all think of when we remember the story. But as an adult, it’s clear that this change isn’t just about becoming “real” physically. It’s about his emotional and moral growth. By the end of the story, Pinocchio has learned to care for others, to take responsibility, and to act with courage and love. That’s what makes him “real.”
In our own lives, this kind of transformation isn’t a one-time event. We don’t wake up one day and suddenly feel like we’ve got it all figured out. Instead, it’s a slow, ongoing process. Every time we choose to be vulnerable, to take responsibility, or to show up for someone else, we inch closer to becoming the most authentic version of ourselves.
Why Pinocchio Still Resonates
What strikes me most about Pinocchio is how timeless its lessons are. It’s not just a story for kids — it’s for anyone navigating the complexities of life and growth. It reminds us that becoming “real” isn’t about perfection. It’s about stumbling, learning, and finding the courage to keep going.
So, if you’re in your late 20s or 30s, feeling a little lost or nostalgic, take a moment to revisit Pinocchio’s story. Remember that it’s okay to make mistakes. It’s okay to get sidetracked. What matters is that you stay curious, keep learning, and never stop chasing the things that make you feel alive.
Growing up doesn’t have an endpoint. Like Pinocchio, we’re all a work in progress — trying to carve out meaning, one imperfect step at a time.
