Embracing your inner child

Inspired Thought...
Yesterday evening, I had the pleasure of playing with two sweet little girls, who helped to remind me of the importance of children and their ever-freeing spirit. The simplicity of a child's words and actions can sometimes give a fresh perspective to us grown-ups who have to make everything so complicated. Perhaps it's time that we all learned a lesson from our little ones, and embraced a more simple, relaxed, and fulfilling lifestyle. A few months ago, I received a letter from one of my mentors, who encouraged this idea with the statement: "And don't forget to play in the mud every once in a while." What a great reminder to make letting go and having fun a part of your regular routine! Children are also very good at communicating their needs and desires, something that oftentimes  people have trouble expressing at home and in the workplace. Although grown-ups' needs don't always include ice cream and candy, maybe possessing the same air of confidence as a child would make it easier for us to express our needs to others. So... go outside and play in the mud! No one's stopping you.

Inspired Action... 
Here are a few ideas to get you started on embracing your inner child: Take a trip down memory lane and look at old photos from your childhood. Ask a parent or sibling about memories they have of you as a child.  Choose one thing to do every day this week that you remember doing as a child (i.e. playing cards, jump roping, eating ice cream, swinging on the playground, etc.). 

Inspired Living...
Pick a day to spend time with a little one in your life (kids, grandkids, nephews, nieces, neighbors, etc.). Take them for a walk in the park and let them tell you all about the flowers and trees and buzzing bumblebees. Go out for ice cream or pack a picnic lunch. Swim at the pool or go shopping at their favorite store. If you don't have a child of your own, head to the library and volunteer to read books to the children, or adopt a friend's child for the day. Observe the child's joy and laughter, her knowledgeable explanations of a rainstorm or how a garden grows, his dependence upon others, her tears when she gets an "owie" (be sure to kiss it better), and his hugs and kisses at the end of the day. Enjoy children, wherever you are, and be sure to let your own inner child shine through.