Art, obsession, and identity
Partly because their perception of time is different and to a child a day seems like eternity, kids are much better at treating every day as new.
As adults, we tend to let the baggage from the day before follow us into the morning, when actually we’d do much better to treat every day as an opportunity for a fresh start.
There is great satisfaction to be drawn from creative endeavors, and yet as we grow older the majority of us push creative pursuits to the bottom of our “to do” lists.
We would all do well to spend time creating something, whether it be a painting or a novel. When doing so we should immerse ourselves fully in the project in the same way a child would.
There are, of course, exceptions, but children are generally more courageous than adults. They are happier to sing out loud or put on a show for their friends.
Unbridled courage comes more easily to children, who have not yet been beaten down by life, but adults would greatly benefit from adopting even an ounce of that courage.
Children have the wonderful ability to find silliness in the mundane. They are able to laugh and giggle at things that adults would never bat an eyelid at.
And yet seeing the funny side of things is a great way for all of us to approach life.
Playing outside is often seen as a child’s activity, and it’s true that lots of kids spend time running around with their friends just for the sake of it.
However, adults should also recognize that playing outside is a great form of exercise. Why not ditch the gym and play pick-up soccer at a park instead?
Children are normally more open to making friends than adults, perhaps because they have been hurt by fewer people and are less jaded as a result.
And yet there is a lot to be gained from letting down our guard and realizing that everyone has something to offer. Nurture as many friendships as you can!
Lots of kids are not afraid at all to “blow their own trumpet.” When they tell you a story about something that happened at school, they are usually the hero of the story.
As adults, we tend to suppress this instinct out of fear of seeming conceited. But as Nora Ephron once said, "Above all, be the heroine of your life, not the victim."
Children readily recognize that scars are not a sign of weakness, but of strength and survival. More often than not they love to show them off to their friends.
Adults, on the other hand, tend to hide their scars away. Being open about scars, both physical and emotional, is healthy and often a weight lifted.
The older we get, the less likely we are to try new things. Our fear of the unknown becomes greater and our world shrinks to that which we already know.
Why not take a childish approach to adventure and throw yourself readily into something? You are sure to feel exhilarated!
Children are much better than adults at finding joy in the little things in life. They appreciate more readily the miracles of mother nature, for example.
As adults, we tend to get bogged down in the stresses of the every day, and we tend to forget about those miracles that are happening around us all the time.
When children don’t know how to do something, they typically have no qualms about asking for help. Adults, however, are normally stifled by pride.
The reality is that there is great strength in knowing when to ask for help. No one knows everything, nor can anyone be expected to know everything.
Children are much readier to express the emotions that they feel. If they feel like crying, they’ll cry, and if they feel like laughing, they’ll laugh.
Society tells us that certain emotions should be stifled, that there are feelings we shouldn’t express. However, letting them out is a whole lot healthier.
When a kid has an argument with their friend, they can be distraught about it one second and have forgotten about it the next.
Forgiveness comes less easily to adults, but we should nonetheless try to forgive like a child. You would be surprised at the load that it takes off.
When it comes to making a decision, kids are much more likely than adults to trust their instincts. Adults tend to quiet their instincts in favor of things they’ve learned.
And yet, as Oprah Winfrey once said: "Follow your instincts. That’s where true wisdom manifests itself."
Sources: (HuffPost) (Purpose Fairy)
See also: Life skills parents can teach their children for success
We normally think of kids as being less knowledgeable than adults. There are many things they haven't experienced and lots of things that adults have picked up along the way. Adults aren't the only knowledgeable ones, however: kids also know lots of things that adults would do well to remember.
Check out this gallery for some important life lessons that kids can teach adults.
Important life lessons that kids can teach adults
Sometimes, kids know best...
LIFESTYLE Learning
We normally think of kids as being less knowledgeable than adults. There are many things they haven't experienced and lots of things that adults have picked up along the way. Adults aren't the only knowledgeable ones, however: kids also know lots of things that adults would do well to remember.
Check out this gallery for some important life lessons that kids can teach adults.