We become more serious, tense, anxious and guarded. There seems to be an almost unrecognizable time when suddenly the reins were pulled in, the blinders were put on and we couldn't see or remember life as children.
We are busy making ends meet, getting ahead, catching up, planning for the future and/or keeping our heads above water.
What happened to the child within us? The responsible adult in ourselves has sent our inner child to their room and forgotten that they need to be given permission to come out and play.
Pay attention to children. They seem to put life's concerns and worries aside. They find pleasure, silliness and laughter in simple things. They're quick to forget, forgive and want to play more. Childhood keeps important things in perspective. Go back to simple, release your child. They've been waiting way too long.
Some of the simple things that make me feel my inner child . . .
. . . seeing my neighbor's dog get excited, jump, bark and wag her tail to see me and get petted.
. . . letting the last of the ice cream melt in the bowl and enjoy the liquidy goodness.
. . . watching the swans fly onto the lake and swoop down with tremendous grace and strength to a gliding landing.
. . . having a friend give a long and sincere hug.
. . . sharing a joke.
. . . making a stranger smile.
. . . riding a bike.
. . . . taking a hot evening bubble bath, washing my hair, brushing my teeth, putting on comfy jammies with no makeup or hair styling involved.
. . . seeing little plastic duckies in the most unusual places.
. . . getting out a hula hoop and jump rope and being amazed that I can do anything at all with them.
. . . driving through my old neighborhood.
. . . seeing coloring books and smelling a new box of sharp crayons.
. . . seeing a Disney movie.
. . . Faygo red pop
. . . a kiss on the forehead.
Share some of your child inspired simple pleasures.
root beer and potato chip sandwhiches. seeing one of those little long-haired plastic cats i used to love so much at a yard sale. ah, heck, yard sales in general kinda bring out my inner child. i get so excited about the smallest of things, and have to take quick control of that inner child of mine before i try to buy everything i see.
ReplyDeleteAwesome post. Zack and I play all the time and it makes things go better for the rest of the day.
ReplyDelete~~barefoot in the cool grass, Tea and Toast, peanut butter on my finger, painting my toenails for the seasons. My inner child is alive an active ~~ I never want to grow up..I'm 69 years young and loving it.
ReplyDeleteI think most men tend to remain children mentally (not me, of course). So, the things we enjoy most tend to be rather childish; kicking a ball around, drinking too much, trying to kiss pretty girls, etc. As long as it's not TOO taxing, it suits us fine!
ReplyDeleteLong hikes in the country, sailing round cape point in 42 knot winds and trying to get the head sail down while being plunged under over and over again in toe freezing, breath stealing, finger numbing ocean water, bungie jumping, a gentle kiss from my kids and everything that Cro magnon said. God bless you my friend.
ReplyDeleteI love your list. Your post is full of wisdom. One of the biggest pleasures of my job is the kid-watching; the learning from children that I have first class access to.
ReplyDelete