It’s fascinating how captivated a child can be with the
world around him/her, even with the simplest or most mundane things, like hand-washing
laundry, as two little girls sat watching me today. Everything is fresh and new. Perhaps, even though a child has dug in the
same sandbox day after day, they notice the subtle differences that make this
particular moment all its own. Or maybe
they eagerly anticipate changes, knowing that the world is in a constant state
of flux. They remain enthralled by all
that they notice, which is quite a lot, as they are always watching,
processing, and learning, during the peak years of their development.
It’s equally fascinating that not long ago, adults experienced
the world in the very same way. However,
the magic that it once held has disappeared to be replaced by jadedness from
our common daily tasks to the overwhelming negative forces at work in the world. Perhaps, this childhood experience is influential
in the decision of many individuals to start a family. In some distant memories, they can recall the
wonder and excitement that the world once held and find themselves secretly
missing those feelings. It seemed to be
an experience unique to childhood, so the only obvious way to relive such
moments would be through a child. As the
child discovers, the parents reminisce, reliving their childhood and sharing
what they hold most dear with their progeny.
While it is important to be so engaged with children, I
don’t believe that children are the only ones who get to have all of the
fun. It’s far more challenging to
connect with our inner child, to push away the worries, doubts, responsibilities,
and horrors of life, for even just a brief moment, to recognize the good that
we once saw in it and that still exists.
We need to essentially unlearn much of what has been taught to us about
being an adult and how we must conduct ourselves within society, always
remaining reserved, keeping busying, and wanting more. We need to remember how to appreciate the
simple things in life and marvel at their existence.
It seems that we are so firmly rooted in these mind sets,
these cultural and societal constructs, that it becomes difficult to identify
where they end and where our own true values and interests begin. Maybe, if we revisit our childhood a little
more often, whether it be through our memories or through new experiences
individually or with our children, we may be able to find some answers and
rediscover the wonder and beauty of life.
I think allowing your inner-child to bubble to the surface is one of the keys to a happy and healthy life. Great post my friend :-)
ReplyDeleteThank you! We definitely can't take life too seriously all of the time, even though it's quite easy to do so.
ReplyDelete