Kids could teach us a thing or two

The other day I got to watching some kids playing at this park. I thought about how much life changes as we get older and more ‘wise’. I do think we definitely learn lessons along our life path that are very necessary, and yet I can’t help but wonder if we lose some of our magic to do it. You know, the stuff that is inside each one of us & the gifts we share with the world.

For me, there are many times where belonging becomes more important than listening to my own heart or I am afraid of shining so I put the ‘gifts’ I have to offer the world away (wouldn’t want another person to feel threatened with my strengths). It boggles my mind why we move into that way of living.  Instead of being free and giving the world our beauty, we shrink.

I’m pretty sure that we weren’t like that as kids.  We stayed more open and less tied to public opinion. It wasn’t all about cute clothes, being cool, or who had the most toys (at least not until we were taught that is how you behave!). As a kid, it is about fun. About the moment. Taking risks. Laughing a lot.

You can learn many lessons from kids ( I know this because ALL my friends have kids, so I’ve picked up a few things along the way from observing them).

FOR A KID:::

Life is more simple. They don’t try to project what they will be doing in five years or try to ‘find themselves’ through multiple classes or workshops.  They grow as they need to. Picking up lessons along the way not trying to rush to the ‘next phase’.

‘Toys’ are meant to be enjoyed not accumulated. Ever watch a kid play and how they enjoy just the toy they have.  Then when they get bored will simply drop that one and find another.  For the most part, there isn’t this manic desire to collect more than they can play with at a time.

Getting mad/sad/grumpy doesn’t last forever. They get mad. Scream. Have a fit. Whatever. Next thing you know they are giving hugs and playing, all is right with the world.  No grudges or messy stuff to ‘cling’ to.

Money is not everything. In fact, they have no concept of it. They don’t need it to find the pleasure in life.  It strips away many things when you stop living as though money is the answer to what plagues you. It isn’t.

Joy is all around them. Each day brings new things. Eating a fig for the first time. Walking. Learning how to read. Playing with Mom & Dad. Finding a catepillar. Meeting a new friend.  Snow (this one comes from experience, you haven’t lived until you have seen a kid play in the snow for the first time).

Being YOU is living, not achieving. Simply put it isn’t all about what you offer the world.  It is about YOU. Your essence.  That has nothing to do with outside stuff.

“Falls” happen.  Watch a kid take a tumble (then what happens? After the initial crying/laughter…which ever they choose in the moment) They don’t beat themselves up or stop trying.  Ever seen a little kid learn to walk for the first time?They are fearless!  It doesn’t occur to them that there is an option to ‘give up’.

Their love is unconditional. ‘Nuff said.

The world is constantly pushing.

Now is the time to ‘push’ back.

Don’t let outside stuff make your path.

YOU do it. Listen to your heart.

Go bravely forward knowing that the beauty that is inside you needs to come out.

That life is this wonderfully complex journey.

**When you need inspiration, have playtime with a kid.  Trust me, it works.**