10 Vital Life Lessons We Can Learn from Children
Children seem to know something that adults
have forgotten. They appear more confident, more courageous and enjoy
life more intensely than we adults do. I often look back at my childhood
years and cannot help but think of them as the best years of my life. I
was a carefree spirit; I lived in the present moment; I had no
anxieties and I had no fears. I often wish that I could return to the
innocence and zest for life I once had when I was a child. I believe
that we can all learn something from our younger selves to bring more
clarity and joy into adulthood.
1. They see each day as a new beginning
When you are young, a day can feel like an
eternity. Yet with each new day we are aware of the new prospects and
new opportunities to make new friends, explore new adventures and learn
new things. Every day is an opportunity to start afresh. And, unlike
adults, children do not carry baggage from one day to the next.
2. They are fearless
Children are more willing to explore and
try new things. They are unaware of the consequences and are more
willing to try something new. If they injure themselves they use it as
an opportunity to learn from their mistakes. As adults, we often hold
ourselves back, predominantly because of fear. We stop ourselves from
taking chances and seeing what happens. Successful people tend to be
those that step out of their boundaries and take risks.
3. They lose themselves in creative projects
A child can often be seen getting lost in a
creative project for hours at a time, be it drawing, playing with clay,
building a sand castle, and so on. Yet, as we get older, we stop seeing
creative activities as worthwhile. How many adults do you know (aside
from artists) who spend their free time drawing, playing with clay or
finger painting?
A child can often be seen getting lost in a
creative project for hours at a time, be it drawing, playing with clay,
building a sand castle, and so on. Yet, as we get older, we stop seeing
creative activities as worthwhile. How many adults do you know (aside
from artists) who spend their free time drawing, playing with clay or
finger painting? 4. They find joy in most things and laugh every day
Children have a beautiful ability to find joy all around them. They see silliness everywhere.
5. They cry if they feel like it
Crying is not often an emotion that adults
feel uncomfortable expressing, yet children do so all the time. Crying
helps release our emotions in a normal, healthy way. Yet, instead, we
always make it a point to keep it in check. Consequently, we end up
keeping our emotions to ourselves. At times, it's okay for us to be a
little more open and vulnerable with people we feel comfortable around.
6. Children are active
Thinking back to my younger years, it was a
joy to play outside, running around until I was out of breath and my
cheeks were rosy. I never thought of being active as exercise or daily
fitness, for me, I was just playing and it was fun.
7. They are more willing to try new things 
Children will attempt to play a sport that
they have never tried before. They are more willing to jump on a
trampoline or dive into a pool, or ski down a mountain, even if they
have never done so before. Adults tend to have a fear of the unknown and
prefer to stay in their comfort zone, rarely venturing out. Adventure
though can make us feel exhilarated and awakened.
8. They are enthusiastic
Children often tend to have so much
enthusiasm. They feel lots of excitement, and are hopeful and
optimistic. We too should learn to approach life in a more optimistic
way. As adults, we often tend to dwell on the negative.
9. They nurture friendships
Observe children playing with their
friends, they often find pure joy in doing so and are always keen to
make new ones. Children tend to enjoy their many activities too - they
join soccer teams, go to birthday parties and enjoy quite a number of
after school activities too.
10. They notice the little things
The simple things that we often take for
granted tend to bring incredible joy and profound inspiration to
children. They notice the tiny miracles that surround them each day. How
much more beautiful life could be if we noticed the same things they
do?