There is one thing that runs rampant in my hometown that doesn’t exist at school. Something that I sort of forgot existed until I came back home.

Children.

While at school, it seems weird to think that anyone that is not between the ages of 18-22 even exists. You are constantly surrounded by people these ages, and it creates a sort of bubble.

Everyone looks similar, acts similarly, and is interested in similar things. It creates a big bubble of similarity, and coming home is a stark contrast to the environment that exists at school.

Being home with children has been surprisingly refreshing. They are different. They are full of crazy, outlandish ideas that we people of cultured society don’t neccesairly think of. They think differently.

Babysitting is something I have already done my fair share of this summer, and will continue to do as the summer progresses. I was so surprised when I babysat for the first time this summer at the nature of children. It was like I had forgotten how to interact with these tiny humans.

They attack life with a sort of excitement that I think is enviable. They are constantly excited, and bouncing on the trampoline may as well be the next best thing.

Every moment is seized and they don’t want to waste a second of anything. That may be as simple as playing at the park or taking in every last second of the coveted TV time.

Unlike people older than them, it doesn’t seem as if they are always waiting for the next moment, next event, or next activity. They are simply being present—a trait many of us lose as we grow up.

I wish that I embodied some of the traits that children have.

Not that growing up is a bad thing—because I truly think growing up is great. Life is a great adventure, and it is important to take the steps in life that allow us to do more and accomplish more. I have loved the opportunity to grow up and be my own person, and I wouldn’t trade that for anything.

However, maybe losing part of our childlike-attitudes as we grow up isn’t as desirable.

I believe that keeping part of the wonder that children have could possibly enhance the way that we live our lives as we grow older.

I am by no means the first person to suggest this. There have been countless famous philosophers over the course of history that have suggested this principle. It wasn’t until I was reintroduced to children that it really hit me—this is an incredible way to live our lives.

I hope to incorporate parts of this attitude into my every day life. Simply living in the moment and seizing every opportunity for what it is, I believe, can truly enhance the value of life.

But, I think I’d like to keep my driver’s license. Growing up is a good thing, but doing it with a little bit of wonder might make it a little better.