You Learn To Love Life When You Learn To Be A Kid Again
Start writing a post
Student Life

You Learn To Love Life When You Learn To Be A Kid Again

After jumping in the ocean waves, I ran back over to my father, looked up at him and said, "Just be a kid again."

132
You Learn To Love Life When You Learn To Be A Kid Again
Jean Beaufort

When I was a child, I was wandering a sandy beach with my father in Santa Monica, California. I distinctly remember feeling the icy chill of the water wrap around my ankles, contrast with the sun-kissed warmth of the sand. I was having so much fun playing around, but I did notice that my dad was acting too serious to enjoy himself...After jumping in the waves, I ran back over to my father, looked up at him and said, "Just be a kid again." And so he did. From that moment on, that line was never forgotten.

At that moment on the beach, I didn't understand how powerful my words had been. They were so memorable to my father that he still remembers them to this day. He often reminds me of what I said, especially when I am acting too serious for a 20-year-old. I will never stop appreciating his reminders.

It is way too common for older people in this world to become all-too serious about life. Yes, work, money, healthcare, bills and all that other good stuff is extremely important, but what about everything else? What about everything we have loved since we were kids?

Acting like a kid again doesn't mean that you have to go play t-ball in the backyard. It means living life without a worry in sight and doing what makes you happy. It means apologizing the moment you know that you caused another person pain and maybe eating too many Froot Loops every once in a while. Being a kid is about loving life and everything it has to offer.

In our modern world, we often forget the main concept of life, which is to live--and by that I mean, to live in the moment. We get so caught up with all of the items on our to-do lists that we end up paying minimal attention to the things that make us the happiest in life. When was the last time you wandered a beach with your dad? Or played in the sandbox with your kids?

Musician Kevin Welch wrote in a song, "There'll be two dates on your tombstone and all your friends will read 'em, but all that's gonna matter is that little dash between them." How much of that dash do you want to spend stressing over the little things in life? There is so much, so many small and large aspects of the lives we live. Grab ahold of the people and things that bring happiness and joy and let go of the ones that cause stress and pain.

Children are ignorant to the immense darkness in the world. To them, everyone is a superhero. Just because we know about the darkness doesn't mean we have to fall victim to it. With each bit of darkness comes so much more light. Never forget to look for the joy in each night and the vitality of each day.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

55684
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

35892
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

957895
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

186575
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments