The Narratives – Mohamed Miah

When you’re the eldest of your siblings, there’s an unspoken understanding that responsibility comes early. From a young age, I always felt like I had to be the one in charge, the one thinking ahead. I wasn’t just playing with toys—I was thinking about the future, the struggles my family faced, and how to take care of those around me. There was no escape from the reality that life wasn’t always easy. So in a way, I’ve been grown-up for as long as I can remember. But at the same time, there’s another side to me that never really took it all too seriously.

I’ve always had this duality in me. On one side, the responsible, thoughtful one—making sure everything is in place, the leader in the family, especially now with my wife and kids. I take my role seriously, and I try to ensure they have everything they need, whether it’s providing, protecting, or just being there. But the other side of me? I love being the joker, the one who lightens the mood. I embarrass my kids in public, crack silly jokes, or do something absurd just to get a reaction. It’s all in good fun, and mostly at my own expense.

There’s something freeing about not taking yourself too seriously, about knowing that the best laughs come when you’re not afraid to be the joke. Especially with my daughters, it’s my way of connecting with them—showing them it’s okay to be goofy, to let loose and laugh without any walls. And honestly, laughing at yourself means no one else gets hurt in the process.

Growing up, I never liked the idea of making fun of someone, whether behind their back or in front of them. Peer pressure can push you toward those behaviors, but I always tried to steer clear. There’s a much better way to make people laugh—by being a little ridiculous and enjoying the moment. I think that’s part of what keeps me young, even now.

So have I ever really grown up? In some ways, yes. In others, maybe not so much. I suppose I’m a bit of both—an old soul who enjoys being silly, a leader who still knows how to joke around. Maybe that’s what it means to be grown up after all, finding the balance between responsibility and letting yourself be free enough to laugh.

And that’s exactly where I am—a grown-up who never really outgrew the fun.