Remembering Your Inner Child

I took a day off, just for me. I felt as though I deserved it. After all, I had been hard at work and feeling a little burned out with life and all its demands. I packed up the car and headed off to my favorite beach. After finding the best spot there, blanket perfectly placed on the warm sand, cooler within reach, sunscreen applied and a great book in hand, my attention was drawn to two children playing at the surf’s edge. I was close enough to observe them, finding myself drawn in by their interaction. What captured my attention was their effortless ability to enjoy the moment and find excitement in the smallest details in their surrounding.

It was obvious their child-like approach to the day served them both extremely well! One child shrieked, “Look! Look what I found!” He then proceeded to hand over a small pink seashell to his playmate. As he passed the shell over for observation, the second child said, “ Let’s start a pile for the best seashells on the beach!” The two searched and discovered one small miracle after the next. Before long I realized I had been delightfully watching them hard at work in search of nature’s beauty for more than an hour. They never tired of their adventure.

The simple ease of their actions made me wonder how different life could be if I practiced simple child-like living. I am not insinuating we should be irresponsible with the way we live our lives. Conversely, what if we treated each new day as a beautiful journey filled with curiosity and spontaneity. How wonderful would it be to just notice the little things in life and recognize them as small miracles? If only we could slow down long enough to be mindful and present instead of plowing through every day in anticipation of it coming to an end. Treat each day as a gift. Life can be wonderful adventure. Live well. Laugh often. Love each experience as your story unfolds. If you ever find yourself feeling overwhelmed with all that life throws in your path, stop and observe a child and learn how to live in the moment. Cherish the gifts in your life.

By Melissa Naborowsky, RN

This is a blog I wrote for work. Check out the website: www.advwellness.com