What is your definition of maturity and do you take any specific steps to cultivate it?  I am currently finding myself in difficult relationship and career situations, and am realizing that perhaps I'm not as strong and/or mature to overcome these situations as I originally believed.  I know that there are people who don't necessarily mature as they age.  Is the mark of maturity that one can own their own life instead of life owning them?  If physical growth and maturity do not necessarily go hand in hand, then what steps does one take to grow stronger and more mature?