As I begin, I am reminded of this profound quote by Paulo Coelho: “A child can teach an adult three things: to be happy for no reason, to always be busy with something, and to know how to demand with all his might that which he or she desires.”
Having my daughter has transformed my life in unimaginable ways. Her innocent outlook on life has revealed profound lessons that I believe can rejuvenate our adult lives. Let’s explore these lessons and see how we can bring the magic of childhood into our everyday routines.
Lesson One: Short Tantrums and Getting Back to Work
Think about how children express their emotions. When a toddler is upset, they let it all out – loud and clear. But moments later, they’re back to playing, smiling, and embracing life. No grudges, no heavy emotions. As adults, we often hold onto past grievances, allowing them to weigh us down. Imagine how liberating it would be if we could express our frustrations honestly and then move on, embracing the present with joy and openness.
Lesson Two: Continued Practice and Perseverance
Remember the first time your child tried to walk? They stumbled and fell countless times but never gave up. They didn’t say, “Walking isn’t for me” or “I failed, so I’ll stop trying.” Instead, they kept going, and we celebrated every small step. As adults, we often let failures discourage us. Let’s change that. Let’s celebrate our small victories and embrace the process of learning and growing, just like a child learning to walk.
Lesson Three: Full Devotion to the Task at Hand
Children know how to be fully present. Watch them play, color, or climb – they are immersed in the moment, completely focused and joyful. As adults, we often get stuck in analysis paralysis, worrying about the past or the future. What if we approached our tasks with the same undivided attention and enthusiasm as children? Being fully present could transform our work, our relationships, and our lives.
Lesson Four: Curiosity and the Desire to Learn
Children are born learners, filled with an insatiable curiosity. They explore, experiment, and ask endless questions. However, as we grow up, we often lose this sense of curiosity, fearing judgment or failure. Let’s rekindle our inner curiosity, embrace new experiences, and never stop learning. By doing so, we open ourselves up to endless possibilities and growth.
Lesson Five: Non-Judgment and Acceptance of Self and Others
Have you ever seen a two-year-old look in the mirror and criticize their appearance? Of course not. They love themselves just as they are. They don’t judge themselves or others. Imagine how our lives and relationships would transform if we practiced non-judgment and acceptance. Accepting ourselves and others as we are can bring immense peace and joy.
Lesson Six: Having Fun
We’ve all heard the saying, “Play is the work of a child.” For children, fun is integral to everything they do. As adults, we often focus so much on outcomes that we forget to enjoy the journey. Let’s bring back the element of fun in our projects and life goals. The journey is as important as the destination, packed with learning and experiences.
In closing, the child within us still lives on, albeit covered by layers of conditioning, logic, and societal expectations. Let’s awaken that child and reintroduce simplicity, authenticity, fun, curiosity, perseverance, and non-judgment into our lives. Each time you find yourself being overly critical or stressed, remember this child within and approach life with a fresh perspective.
Let us embrace these childlike qualities and transform our lives. Let’s see how our world changes when we awaken the child within!
