Although I’m not in school right now, I am right on the cusp of my application season for Graduate school and I’m starting to feel a little stressed. I believe I’m experiencing the same stress levels as I would if it were 1 month into the semester and I was just realizing that my syllabi were going to consume my life.
In times of stress, we often want to just curl up and pretend we don’t have any responsibilities at all! We wish we were kids again without any responsibilities, but that’s not possible. What is possible however, is to revisit children’s books. Some children’s books are lighthearted and cute. While others really hit you in the feels when you revisit them as an adult. Some of the topics these books cover go over the heads of their intended audience, but they hold great messages that we can all benefit from!
Here’s a list of children’s books we should all revisit:
1. Oh The Places You Will Go - Dr. Seuss
Yes, this book is used as the theme to almost every graduation ever! However, the entire book is filled with gems that perfectly sum up your emotions after you graduate and when you’re in a moment of transition in your life.
2. The Giving Tree - Shel Silverstein
This beautifully written book reminds us how to truly be there for someone. Throughout the story, the tree gives and gives to the boy, all because she loves him and she wants to give him whatever she can. It also reminds us how to be thankful.
3. Le Petit Prince (The Little Prince) - Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
This book is disguised as children’s book but it was truly written for adults. The concepts of love, personal growth, and friendship.
4. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory - Roald Dahl
There were a lot of gems dropped in this book and the movie. However, this is probably the best quote from the book. Sometimes we have to just stop thinking “what if” and just take the plunge! We may fail or we may succeed, but we’ll never know if we don’t try.
5. Matilda- Roald Dahl
Stay positive and let your positivity shine through! You don’t have to stay positive all the time, but just remember, there is usually a silver lining to be found somewhere.
6. Alice in Wonderland - Lewis Carroll
We are constantly changing, and we never know where our day will take us when we wake up. So welcome change with open arms!
7. Chrysanthemum - Kevin Henkes
This goes back to the old saying, “if you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say it at all.” Words hurt, and they can’t be taken back once they’re put out there. As the quote alludes, not everything can be fixed once it is broken.
8. The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe - C.S. Lewis
Patience is key. Sometimes doors close that were never meant to lead us to where we want or need to be. However, we can’t stand there banging on that door waiting for it to re-open. We have to trust that the next door will open when we are truly ready for it.
Don't just stop at these quotes! Go revisit some of these books and I promise you will be left feeling inspired.
