8 Things I Learned From Being a Kid (& Being One)
Do you ever wonder what happened to all the time? I sit here today, and wonder how the heck did I become 32? I remember thinking how “old” 32 was when I was a teenager. Geez. I am here. Your childhood is when you see things for the first time, try something new, have no fear, everyday is a discovery. I know I have retained a part of my childhood, and I apply it to my everyday life. I maybe an adult now, yet I am pretty sure I am who I am, due to my childhood and experiences I have had. Like what? Here are somethings I have learned from being a kid myself, having a child of my own, and witnessing the innocence of children everywhere. Let me explain…
1. Live in the Moment. Kids live for what is going on where they are. They are enjoying the fun, the sights, the laughter, the task at hand. As a child, I was not thinking of what I had to do later that night or the things I had to get done tomorrow. It’s all about being where you are right now, and truly enjoying it at that moment.
2. Be Uncomfortable. Kids takes risks all day long, they don’t think about consequences, really. I often hate leaving my comfort zone, but it’s really great to work up the courage and just do whatever it is, because it usually results in too much fun! Don’t you agree?
3. Make Believe. Kids use their imagination every day at least once. Drawing, playing, making a fort. Whatever it maybe. Whenever I am doing something I don’t want to be doing-working, reading, studying, cleaning, I find myself letting my mind wander. It is not always a good thing, but it doesn’t hurt at times. What bad thing can come out of pretending I am being chased by wild alligators as I vacuum the house? Ha. Or maybe more likely imagining myself at the beach, toes in the sand with a frozen drink in my hand, when reality I am sitting at my desk.
4. Talk to Strangers. Well, you always learn not to do so. But it happens anyhow. But having such an outgoing daughter of my own (I was never like that as a child), I see her make new friends, ask for help, go out of her way to say hello. If grown-ups were like this the world would honestly be a better place. I am taken back by the amount of times you pass a stranger in the hallway or in the aisle, and it’s an awkward grab of the phone or look the other way to avoid a hello or eye contact. So, hello!
5. Embrace Your Creativity. Kids are always making stuff. Macaroni art, bracelets, popsicle stick frames, drawings, painting, a scribble on a piece of paper that somehow looks like a magical unicorn at the beach. I use creativity in my daily life, art makes me happy. Creating things make me happy. I find the simplest joy in doodling on paper when I am on the phone, drawing hearts on my daughter’s lunch love notes, modge-podging an entire coffee table, editing photos, turning a mason jar into a work of art, writing this blog. I live my life creatively every single day, and I thank my childhood for that.
6. Happy with Who You Are. I remember being a kid with not a care in the world. I always thought I had the best hair, the best outfit, the best life. Not to the point like, “look at me.” But to the point of being confident in myself. I did not care what others were thinking of me, or if my hair looked okay. Of course the older you get, the more you care, your self-confidence diminishes. You dye your hair, wear make-up, buy expensive clothes, get “better” everything. You are still not happy. You cover up at the beach, dye your hair some more, question your beauty, compare yourself to others. Why can’t be live our life to be proud of who we are, what we look like, why do we always compare. Through the eyes of a child we are all beautiful.
7. Happy for No Reason. Just that, pure and simple. Think about it, in general- kids are always smiling, laughing and having a good time.
8. Make a Mess. Are you ever doing something like baking cookies, and all you are worried about is the flour all over floor or the eggshell leaking all over the counter. Perhaps your child is helping-and you keep telling her to be careful, not to spill, nagging, nagging. You know what I say? Who cares! Let the mess exist. Enjoy the moment. You can clean it up later. Apply this rule to your everyday life.
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