You turn on the television and you hear about the latest tragedies. You browse social media and you’re bombarded with politics and activism. You open the paper and there’s another story based on hate, violence, or sadness. In today’s world, it’s easy to find the bad. You don’t even have to search. Focusing on what is wrong with mankind is the easiest thing you can do. It takes no effort at all.
But to find joy. To find love. To find hope. Now that’s a challenge.
As a mother, I can look at my child and see the innocence that we come into this world possessing. I look at his smile, listen to his laughter, and watch him take in the world with eyes of optimism and I wonder how we can hold onto that. How can we bring back that childlike spirit? It is not children that have ruined this world, it’s the adults. And as an adult who wants a better world for my child, I’m challenging myself and my friends to look at the world like a child.
When you wake up, don’t think about all the obligations you have or things you have to do, wake up and smile. Be thankful for the new day. Bounce out of bed with an excited expectation for unknown adventures ahead. When you’re given the choice to be happy or sad, make the decision that simple. Just be happy. When you cross paths with a stranger, instead of avoiding eye contact, smile. You never know what power that one smile can have.
Be kind with no expectation of repayment. Share your kindness with others. Do small acts that will make someone’s day. Your single act could encourage others to do the same. And then you’ve started something bigger than you. Pay it forward. Our children share so easily. They embrace everyone as a friend. We should do the same.
Look at the world through eyes that don’t discriminate. Look at people for who they are, what is in their soul. Don’t judge based on religion, or race, or orientation. Just take them as they are. Judge them by what’s in their heart. If we could all close our eyes and simply talk to each other, I truly believe we could find more common ground. We don’t all have to agree, but if we’re teaching our children that you should always play nice, why aren’t we doing the same?
Make time to play! Don’t be too proud to be silly. Make goofy faces. Let loose and giggle for no reason. Let your laughter be infectious and bring others happiness. Sit on the swing at the park. Play in the rain. Sing at the top of your lungs. Dance like no one is watching. Let happiness overcome you.
Enjoy the simple things. Give someone a hug and let it last a little longer. Call a friend you haven’t talked to in a while. Blow bubbles. Catch lightning bugs. Listen to the rain. Pick wildflowers. Find the little treasures this world gives us.
When you stop looking at the big picture and focus on every day joys, you can remember what the world looks like through the eyes of a child. Our children do not let hate engulf them. They do not lose sleep over politics and war. The thought of hurting others doesn’t exist to them. They are so pure.
So let your soul shine. We get one life, one world, one shot at being the person we want to be. And if we could all be a little more like our kids, what an incredible place this could be.
To read more by working mom Lauren, check out her other posts here.
