“Children see magic because they look for it.”– Christopher Moore

What can you learn from children?

What do children know that adults seem to have forgotten? Children are more confident, more courageous and enjoy life far more intensely than adults. 

Here’s what we can learn from our younger selves to bring more clarity and joy into adulthood.

1. Every day is a fresh start.

When you are young, every day feels like an eternity and a new day means new opportunities to make new friends, explore new adventures, learn new things. Children don’t carry baggage from one day to the next. They start fresh, always.

2. Creative pursuits are fun and good for you.

How often do you see children losing themselves in a creative project for hours at a time?

Drawing, playing with clay, building a sandcastle with meticulous attention to detail.  For some reason, as we get older, we stop seeing creative activities as worthwhile. How many adults, aside from artists, draw on a regular basis? How many play with clay or finger paint just for the fun of it?

3. Be courageous.

Sing out loud. Dance when you feel like it. A child’s life feels limitless because they are not confined by fears of failure or humiliation. They march forward with hope and determination because they don’t know any better. They haven’t been beaten down, they haven’t experienced failure. They embrace life and all it has to offer with open arms.

4. Be active.

When you were young, playing outside was the highlight of your day. You would run and chase your friends until you were out of breath and your cheeks were rosy. 

You would jump and do cartwheels at the drop of a hat and you never thought of it as “exercise” or “daily fitness.” It was just playing. And it was fun.

5. Nurture friendship.

Children find true joy while playing with friends and they love making new ones. They join soccer teams, go to a birthday parties, start new schools. These are all ways that kids make new friends. Children adhere to the motto, “the more the merrier, “and adults should, as well.

Take Action:

What lessons from children could you use in your own life?