Tip #31: Nourish Your Inner Child

Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up.”
-Pablo Picasso

Do you remember the wonder, the awe, and the amazement you experienced as a child at life’s simplest pleasures? As we “grow up” we tend to stop seeing the wonder in the little things. We rush about with the end goal in mind with great purpose and good intent; but we fail to actually live.

Now, do something today to nurture your inner child. That may mean playing outdoors or eating an ice cream sundae. Don’t let the simple pleasures pass by unnoticed. Allow them to put even the tiniest smile on your face. Show your appreciation in the most subtle way. A butterfly resting on a beautiful flower; floating leaves; ants at a picnic, cleaning up; beach sand; airplanes flying overhead. It matters not what you find that brings you pleasure. It can be anything from the wonderment of nature to the thrill of our modern world’s technology. All these are gifts that, somehow, bring something good into our lives. Enjoy them with that same childlike awe!

Take Home Message:

Seeing the world through childlike eyes is equivalent to donning a pair of glasses with multi-colored lenses.

“I’m still excited and curious about everything. I was the kind of kid always asking ‘why?’ I want to know more about everything…. My favorite things are sunsets, sunrises, trees, and open lands untouched by people. The simple things are beautiful to me.”
-Alex Oden (featured in Perseverance)