The Kid in You

“Only those who look with the eyes of children can lose themselves in the object of their wonder.” – Eberhard Arnold

Lately I have found myself feeling “all grown up.” I have a steady job, family and plenty of the infamous “R” word (responsibility). I watch grown up TV, read grown up books and have gorwn up conversations. Sometimes I feel like Peter Panning in the movie “Hook” and I find myself wondering if I have lost touch with my youthful side. I decided that I would take a few moments in introspection and try to find the kid in me once more. I discovered a few traits observable in children that I have since decided to try and embrace more fully in my life. It could be called my “Fountain of Youth” program.

Perspective – Don’t neglect the details.

Children’s perspective is focused on different things than adults. A child may completely neglect what we adults may see as obvious. They may focus on something rarely noticed to grown ups. I see this as I walk with my son to the local park. He will often stop and investigate the most seemingly random things for minutes at a time. Everything from tiny bugs to unique rocks have come under his watchful scrutiny. I can see the wheels in his head turning and can only imagine what questions he could ask as he examines his newly found discoveries. While my grown up mindset tells me to stop wasting time with something so small and trivial, the child within me begins to ask some questions of his own.

I’ve decided to take some time everyday just studying something. It doesn’t need to be for any other reason but to simply learn more about it. While I may not lay on my belly in the dirt checking out bugs (at least not in public) I have spent more time learning about things that stimulate my interest, including velcro, photosynthesis and how they make gum.

Imagination – Make the most with what you got. 

Children have an acumen for creativity. Given something very basic (like a cardboard box), they can create some amazing things (like a fort). My 3 year old will spend upwards of ten minutes pretending to eat the non-existent chocolate from a very old box in the kitchen. There’s no real chocolate there, but his imagination satiates his curiosity.  Whether it’s dressing up like a superhero or playing the air guitar, both of my kids’ imaginations keep me enthralled.

In living the principle of imagination, I’ve found that there are both practical and silly applications. At work,  my imagination has actually helped me solve problems (try accounting in “pretend number world” for a day). It’s made me recognize the elasticity of my awareness. And while pretending that the lukewarm water I’m drinking is something cold and refreshing does not make it so, it still helps me guzzle it down. Take time to imagine something today, the sillier the better.

Exploration – “Every experience is a form of exploration.” – Ansel Adams

Children love to explore. Everyday presents a new place, a new activity, a new friend. Sometimes I feel so set in my own ways that I forget how much there is out there.

In exploring my own world, I have seen how much more marvelous and grand everything is, including things that I see, touch, smell and hear everyday. The old man Steve wants to drive to and from work using the same route, day after day, with no regard to the scenery (except the car in front of me). The kid in me wants to take the back roads, try a new route, maybe even pull over and just observe the beautiful landscapes that I pass everyday.

In my efforts to explore and be more child-like (not childish) I have attempted to find a new place every week. On top of that, I am trying to explore my daily world more thoroughly. These efforts have made me feel like an everyday Columbus as my whole universe has become more rich in flavor and tone.

I strongly encourage you to try and find the kid in you. If you need some inspiration, this fun commercial may give you a little.