Think Like A Kid
I was taking a walk around my neighborhood recently and was
befriended by a six-year-old girl. This charming child decided
to impart her life wisdom on me. Here are the lessons I learned:
1. It's natural to feel good about yourself. I told my new
friend that she had pretty eyes. She looked up at me and said,
"I know". There was no question for her, no debate, and no
dismissal. She accepted the comment because, to her, it was
natural to feel good about herself. I began to wonder; at what
point in the development of our children do we teach them not to
appreciate their finer qualities. At what point do we teach
children to feel badly about themselves? Appreciate yourself
every day. Feel good about yourself --, it's natural.
2. Promote your strengths. At one point during our conversation,
my new friend looked at me and said, "You know, I can run really
fast." She was good at things, and she wanted to make sure that
I knew it. I wonder, why do we tell ourselves that it is not
good to promote what we're good at? At what point do we change
from being proud of our strengths, to hiding our best qualities?
Can you remember the last time you gave someone a compliment and
they did not just dismiss the comment? I can't. The next time
someone thanks you or acknowledges an accomplishment, say thank
you and pat yourself on the back. Feel good about your strengths
and they will serve you well.
3. Find enjoyment in everything. My friend found enjoyment in
everything from school, to friends, to her family. Her joys were
simple things, like riding her bike, passing a test, and
swinging on the swing sets. Find joy in the simple things,
appreciate them, and be grateful for them. You will find that
your world starts to look like a much better place.
4. Be active. In the 20 minutes we spent together, my new friend
walked the balance beam, swung on the swing sets, rode her bike,
and demonstrated her running skills. She never sat still. I
believe it is our body's natural desire to be active. Let your
body fulfill its purpose. Get some activity. The benefits you
receive will be long and many.
5. Have Fun. I asked her what she likes to do and Her response
was,