While all of us "old" twenty- and thirty-somethings sat in the shade letting our too-full bellies digest, a bunch of the little ones were riled up, climbing on the playground and playing ball in the park. (How is it that kids seem so unaffected by this hot, humid weather?) It was fun to watch how entertained the kids could be with such simple activities -- going down 4-foot slides, burying twigs under pebbles, throwing around a playground ball. Aiden entertained us by breaking every rule: throwing rocks, pouring his juice box out all over the playground and himself, climbing too-high ladders for such a small boy. Adison reminded me a lot of myself: the sassy older sister who wanted to be involved in (and preferably in charge of) everything and who loved to perform! We were laughing hysterically at her renditions of "Single Ladies" and "Party in the USA," which she sang with incredible accuracy for a 4-year old, while simultaneously doing spins and shaking her little hips.
As we big kids watched, we couldn't help reminiscing on how much fun we'd had doing similar things when we were younger. We were amused by how high the jungle gym had seemed then, as we realized now that it's no more than 6 feet at the tallest point. We laughed about how we had regularly dressed up in costumes and put on performances on the park's outdoor stage.
When is it that we lose the uninhibited freedom of childhood? I think we could all gain a lot from getting in touch with our "inner kid!" I learned a lot from hanging out with my little cousins this weekend, and none of them were over the age of 9. Brady is quite the little baseball star, and he was eager to show us how far he could hit the ball. Self-confidence like that is very healthy. We need to know what we're good at, and use those strengths toward something productive and helpful. When some of the other kids started throwing a ball around, Lucas immediately wanted to jump in and be part of the group. He had trouble catching the ball at first, but he kept his head up, kept trying, and got lots better as the game progressed. Lucas demonstrated the courage to step up and get involved, even if it's something new or something that isn't one of your strengths. He also showed that practice pays off, and though at first you may not succeed, try try again! Adison had the brightest smile and some sweet dance moves, and showed how laughter and a carefree attitude makes everything more fun.
I think we'd all be a little more balanced, and a lot happier, if we acted more like these kids. It's easier than you'd think to incorporate this into everyday life... Reconnect with things that bring you simple joy. One of my favorite snacks will forever be chocolate Teddy Grahams, and they're even more fun when you save them from "drowning" in your milk. Workouts can be more fun by letting loose and being more carefree; more of a performer, if you will. My sister and I turn on music and dance like crazy people all over the house, or we hop on our bikes and ride down country roads belting songs as loud as we can. (She tells me this increases lung capacity too...?) Bring your inner-kid into your social life too: I spent this past Easter with some friends at the circus! I also hosted a Cinco de Mayo party where we all took some swings at a pinata and danced the Macarena in my living room.
Channel your inner-kid. Know what you're good at, be confident in it, and use it toward something great! Challenge yourself to try new things - whether that be eating a new vegetable, trying a new workout class or sports league, taking on a new craft project, joining a new club.. and do it with the uninhibited spirit of a little kid. Perform a little more. Dance a lot more. Laugh all the time. Stop wishing you could be as carefree as a kid again... and just do it!
I think we'd all be a little more balanced, and a lot happier, if we acted more like these kids. It's easier than you'd think to incorporate this into everyday life... Reconnect with things that bring you simple joy. One of my favorite snacks will forever be chocolate Teddy Grahams, and they're even more fun when you save them from "drowning" in your milk. Workouts can be more fun by letting loose and being more carefree; more of a performer, if you will. My sister and I turn on music and dance like crazy people all over the house, or we hop on our bikes and ride down country roads belting songs as loud as we can. (She tells me this increases lung capacity too...?) Bring your inner-kid into your social life too: I spent this past Easter with some friends at the circus! I also hosted a Cinco de Mayo party where we all took some swings at a pinata and danced the Macarena in my living room.
Channel your inner-kid. Know what you're good at, be confident in it, and use it toward something great! Challenge yourself to try new things - whether that be eating a new vegetable, trying a new workout class or sports league, taking on a new craft project, joining a new club.. and do it with the uninhibited spirit of a little kid. Perform a little more. Dance a lot more. Laugh all the time. Stop wishing you could be as carefree as a kid again... and just do it!
