As we all know, growing up is an exciting part of this crazy world that we call life. We move out, we drink, and of course, party ‘til we vomit our brains out. Most importantly, however, we form new bonds, make tough decisions and create new beginnings -- all to become the strong individual we know is deep inside of us.

But let’s keep it real --growing up sucks. Big time. I mean you’ve got the bills, the crazy jobs, the budgeting, and that dreaded, horrible word that no one wants to hear: “responsibility.” Like nails on a chalkboard, right? We all know these aspects of life are important for us; but as we continue to mature and shape our future, we lose sight of what shaped us in our past -- the passions that make us happy. Life begins to lose its color and daily life becomes bleak as we focus on all the bad at our job, on the news and in the world despite the good that’s still there.

For most of us, the time where the world was seen as peppy & sweet rainbows was a time called “childhood”. That’s not to say it was perfect, those scoldings and spankings after grabbing the cookie jar were the worst, but we weren’t afraid to make brave decisions and explore the world that was only known to us. Many of us were even little artists - drawing, dancing, acting-- these “childish” activities were ways of expressing ourselves and being who we are, something important that we forget as we mature.

We may think we’re above all of this as we grow up, but truth be told, these childhood games can help us get through life’s most stressful moments. Watching cartoons over the news can put a smile on your face, drawing or painting a picture can help flourish your creativity (it doesn’t have to be an artsy-fartsy masterpiece), dancing can both be a part of staying fit as well as expressing how you feel...and it doesn’t end there! There’s also singing, arts and crafts, playing games (video or board - take your pick), performing in a play and much, much more.

No one has to be a masterful expert at any of these to benefit from them. As children, we were never experts at anything, yet we still tried to have fun and be happy whenever we can. Sometimes life throws a curveball or two (or three) and eventually we forget how to be happy in the long run -- whether it’s with our lives or with ourselves. Embracing our inner child can help rediscover many parts of us that may have been forgotten, hidden or pushed aside during our transition to adulthood. We can remember what we like, what we don’t like, our dreams, our true ambitions and, to put it simply, who we really are. Just don’t go and hop on the first kiddie ride you see! ...Ok fine, but don't make it a habit.