Too often people are forced to grow up too quickly. Whether it be due to war or politics or just the hardships of life, it’s becomes difficult to think about the simplicity of childhood and to live in the moment of this wonderful part of life. Sometimes, we want to be kids again and enjoy the times when nearly everyday is a play date with life. We want to be carefree and let pure innocence reign over our worlds. But, what are the things that make childhood what it is (and makes us want to crave more of it)? Here are the top five things that make childhood special:
Everyday and everything is filled with magic, including yourself
Each day holds an adventure. Whether it be frolicking around in your backyard or gazing at clouds while lying on the bare earth, every time the sun rises, there is something new to discover. There is something new to expect. And it all depends on what magic you decide to tap into that day. Maybe you are secretly a superhero who needs to save the world from a long-time nemesis. Or maybe you’re a wizard who needs to collect all the shiny things that can be found in order to create a special potion. Nevertheless, you embrace the idea “you are more powerful than you think” to the fullest. As far as you know, everything from unicorns to beasts unheard of all exist in the world alongside us and it’s your job to find out what lurks around the corner.
You go all out in being...you
Today you are a veterinarian. Tomorrow, you will be an artist. Next week, maybe an astronaut. Then again, maybe you want to change into being a cat now so that you can bathe in the warmth of the sun. Essentially, nothing can stop you from being who you want to be. This goes for your wardrobe, too. Feel it’s a boots kind of day? Then you wear those boots of yours like no one else can! Or maybe it’s a dress-up kind of day and you wear the most spunky outfit you could put together. And the best part? You show it off, at home and in public. Yup, you are going to be you and no one can stop you.
You are curious of new things and challenge the negative connotation of 'different'
Given the right information and the right exposure, you are usually willing to try new things and meet new people, and accept it all into your life. You don't know how to discriminate or make fun of something different. While you learn what is good and what is bad, initially, different is good. Different is great. It is unique and special. It is something you have never experienced before. You are going to learn as much as you can and as much as you want to. All the knowledge in the world is for you to seek.
Thinking outside the box is second nature
Your freedom and childhood innocence means the sky’s the limit when it comes to being creative. Need to write a story? One little crayon sketch is actually an entire novel summarized into one page. And it makes perfect sense (well, according to you at least!). Want to end world hunger? You willingly share your food with as many people as possible. War? You come up with the simple solution of asking why. See someone feeling depressed? You make a machine that spreads hope and rainbows, merely by defying all laws of science. You keep creating and innovating because you can (and therefore, good-bye to boredom). Any idea is a great idea as long as it gets the job done.
There is no such thing as impossible
Ultimately, childhood boils down to cherishing this secret of life. There are no limits, no boundaries. Everyone is special. Everything is unique. The impossible does not exist because you said so (because you know that for a fact). You have no fear of the unknown. You are ambitious and ready to explore. Anything is possible!
So take the time to be a kid again and re-live childhood as much as you can each day. You'll never know what sparks of creativity and inspiration you might run into let alone give a break to all the day's stresses.
Sheetal Tadiparty
Flickr Creative Commons
