When I was a kid, I was fearless. There was nothing my friends and I wouldn't do or attempt. There was no tree too high to climb or adventure too big to attempt. But somewhere along the way fearless gave way to caution. I'm not sure when or why. Maybe it happened when I started a family and had to maintain a steady job and "act like a grown up." All I know is that I'm done with it.
Now without becoming socially awkward, I have determined that this year will be different. I am officially granting amnesty to my inner child and, as of today, he is freed from the prison where he has been serving a life sentence. On day one of my inner child's release I think we will plan on injecting a sense of adventure back into my life. It's time to breathe life back into a life that has become more sedentary and less scandalous. I've never really looked at the world like every one else; the trouble is that instead of voicing my dissension, I've just sat back and listened to everyone else's version. No More!
In order to make the necessary changes in my life I need to recapture that child-like spirit that once dominated my psyche. I guess the big question is, "Can I recapture it?" or perhaps the question is "How do I recapture it?" So, to help me with my journey, I've enlisted the help of my grand daughter. She doesn't know it but I've been watching her the last few days to learn again the secrets of the inner child.
The first thing I notice is that she is up early. A quick breakfast and then off to play with all of her toys. All the while she is moving. She hardly ever stops! Every once-a-while she will stop to get a quick hug from Mom or Grammy, and sometimes she pauses to watch one of her favorite characters on the television; but then it is right back to being a life in motion. When it is time to eat she eats lightly and prefers to snack throughout the day. When she is tired she takes a nap. So what does it all mean? What has my observation taught me?
First of all, our sense of adventure is innate. We are born with it. When we were young there was nothing our minds thought we couldn't do or accomplish. I've seen my grand daughter use her books as a reason to sit on Mommy's lap and have them read to her or as a plate to hold her fishy crackers or as a weapon to beat Pappy. It is that multi-faceted type of approach to life that helps us regain our sense of adventure. Watching her, I've learned that I need to get up early and build some fun into each day. Keep moving, eat light and pause every-once-in-a-while for some loving.
Now, setting free my inner child doesn't mean that I'm going to abandon my adult responsibilities. All it means is that I'm going to re-focus my priorities. Every day I need to make sure that I have some inner child activities scheduled onto my daily planner. Oh, there is one other thing she does all the time...laugh. She loves to laugh. But then again, how can you not laugh at Pappy?
Be well.
Bill
