Child-like wisdom may sound like an ironic juxtaposition, but I have come to better understand some profound truths from my 14-month old son, Graham. Witnessing a brand new life begin and watching an infant turn into a toddler has offered some incredible learning opportunities for me, and my own forward walking in life has been better because of it. I’ve been happily humbled numerous times by my son’s simple understanding of real-life truths.
Here are three of those truths that Graham regularly reiterates to me.
1. The best things in life can’t be bought. For example, an empty box is by far the most interesting and diverse toy a child can have, and often times it doesn’t cost a thing. Similarly, the happiest and most genuine smiles I’ve ever seen from my son are when he’s spending time with my husband and myself. Family time is by far Graham’s favorite time in the world. When I’m working at my desk during the day, he’ll slip into my room and cling to my legs until I spend time with him. He doesn’t want new toys or candy or to irritate me. He just wants my attention. He wants me to play with him. There is no fancy toy that can or ever will take the place of Mommy or Daddy time. Spending time with the people you love are where the greatest and most priceless memories come from.
2. The outdoors are good for your soul. Graham wants to be outside all the time. If he can get outside, he’ll go, whether anyone is following him or not (he’s terrifyingly independent sometimes). There is just something about Mother Nature that we need physically, emotionally, and spiritually. The air we breathe, beautiful sights that can fill our minds with awe, and the calmest feelings we may ever experience all can come from nature. Some of the most famous works of art have been inspired by the outdoors. Some of the greatest mysteries in the world and most incredible feats to ever be accomplished by man or woman have come directly from something in nature. From my own personal experience, when I need to settle down or clear my head, I go outside. I go for a walk in the woods. I sit at the beach and listen to the slow, rhythmical crash of the ocean’s waves. I sit on the rooftop outside my bedroom window and gaze at the twinkling stars. The next time you’re feeling down, frustrated, stressed, or angry, try taking yourself outside for a short (or long) time, and focus on how you feel while you’re out there.
3. Never be ashamed to be yourself. Graham puts his own “spin” on things already. He has his own way to dance, has his own language in which to talk, is very opinionated about things he doesn’t like or doesn’t want to do, and has a curiosity unmatched by any other one-year-old I’ve ever known. And he’s easily one of the happiest toddlers in the world. He doesn’t try to be like anyone else. He’s just himself, with a boundless imagination, an incredibly silly sense of humor, and a wonderfully giggly and snorty laugh (that’s a lot like his mom’s). He’s blissful when he’s just being himself, and it doesn’t matter what anyone thinks of him. He’s walking forward in his own shoes and he’s happy doing it.
There are gazillions of other little truths that are continually reinforced to me from my bubbly little son. I learn something from him every day. And I have yet to meet anyone who doesn’t like him. I don’t think it’s just because he’s cute, or that he’s only one year old. I’m pretty sure it’s because he lives these simple, yet profound truths, and he’s already progressing in his own forward walk through life. If we all were to act on these truths, no matter what our age or life experiences, I have no doubt that we all would be endlessly happy–just like him.