That is the finest of suppers, I think;
when I'm grown up and can have what I please
I think I shall always insist upon these.
I remember as a child, my biggest fantasy was to eat an entire pack of biscuits - which, in those days, was about ten small biscuits in a pack. We didn't even have much of a choice back then. But even that was exciting. Dreams were simple and unreachable probably only inside my mind - because when I think back on what I thought was "impossible" at the time, I can laugh heartily. I tell myself, "you've come a long way, baby". I've "grown up" a lot, experienced a chunk of life and never stopped learning.
And yet, at this moment, the sight of that biscuit pack brings back precious memories. It feels good. It still tastes like childhood, when life was relatively worry-free. I mean, my biggest issue when I was in elementary school was - would my Mom approve of me spending 5 paise on the toffee sold by the hawker who earnestly swiped is cloth duster at the flies competing with the children trying to get at his wares?.
I know many people think childhood is overrated, but no matter what type of childhood one has had, there are always cozy moments to cherish. I mean, who doesn't have ups and downs? Yet, we always have that secret stash of special memories that make us feel warm and loved.
Remember the movie "The Sound of Music" in which Julie Andrews sings the song " My favorite things "?
The funny thing is, as children, we are in such a hurry to grow up. Once that goal is reached, we long for the days we've left behind.
There's a solid reason for it.
Every day, I have the pleasure of watching children play. I especially visit my son's school just so I can see them and chat with them. On the days when that is not possible, I have the joy of hanging around the basement in our apartment complex where the children play in the evenings.
They have so much to teach us.
I love their confidence in their ways and how comfortable they are, trusting their own instincts. It is as simple as - if it tastes good, it is good for you, right? If it feels good, it is good to do, yes?
They delight in everything they do without worrying about their past or future, as if they know that there's nothing they can do about it anyway. They treat the present for what it is - a present, a gift.
Surely there's a lesson there for everyone?
I hear them say:
nurture your inner child
and...
- forget about being grown up
- forget that growing to do list - why not make a to don't list?
- forget the worry of deadlines
instead..
- enjoy the little things in life
- indulge in simple pleasures
- join them in their games maybe a game of hide and seek?
- spend a few moments on the swing?
- sing along with them?
- just run around aimlessly, laughing and - gasp! - burn some calories?
If you do insist on being grown up, you can always sit back, put your feet up and
- read a book that filled you with happiness when you enjoyed reading it a long time ago.
- call a couple of friends on the phone, or just call them over
- enjoy a cup of coffee, slowly
- do something for yourself that you've been putting off for a while
- enjoy your favorite music
In short...just be.
Slow down a little. Enjoy some carefree moments.
Nurture your inner child, because you deserve it!
And that's exactly what I am doing these days. I am working on a couple of projects I've been planning for a long time - I'll tell you about it soon!
In the meantime, just decide that, in 2015, you will do those things that help you nurture your inner child. And feel the difference in your days! Technology can wait.
♥
I am joining Mel at Stirrup Queens for Microblog Mondays
♥
P.S.: The Gratitude Circle Link Up is scheduled for December 31, 2014 - Wednesday. Do write your posts, come back and link up on Wednesday (that's the day after tomorrow!). The badge is in the sidebar >>
