Day 184 - Remaining Childlike

One of the many things I love about myself is my ability to childlike. I am frequently filled with wonder, I am always inquisitive, I find pleasure in simple occurrences such as an ant currying up the wall, I laugh loudly and often, and I like to play. My body may age, but my mind and heart will never grow old.

Only yesterday, I was being over-curious at Trader Joe's, and the clerk just laughed at me, in a good-natured manner. I work with 4-8 year-olds, and that is the perfect age range for me, as my "inner child" is right around there. I was frequently scolded during childhood and adolescence for being "immature" and now I'm glad for it. The world is filled with seriousness and foreboding--let me counter that with Light and levity and being present in joy. I buy playdough every now and again (yes, for myself!) to remind me of these qualities.

"We hear the merriment of children and may sigh over our lost childhoods. Although we can no longer fit into our old clothers and become young again, we can take comfort in the optimism of children. Their rejoicing can gladden us all." - Deng Ming-Dao, 365 Tao.

Why sigh? It is only lost if you put it away or give it away. For me, I will retain my eagerness to play and hold safe the child that is in me.

​Look out, there she goes!