Is it time to take the kid inside of you, out for a spin?

"the foundest memory of my childhood,
was making my friends laugh so hard,
that their soft drink came out of their nose"

This article was inspired by a discussion by the Happiness Club, an internet discussion group. The discussion got me thinking about 'lost childhoods'.

Many of us had less than desireable childhoods, don't get me wrong, mine was mostly good, however parts were not. Quite awhile back, I decided that rather than dwell on what wasn't I could and would create what is.

Now, I can't be a child again, however, I still have my inner child. That part of me that can in a moment be child-like, playful and downright goofy. So now I tell others...

"it's not my inner child
I'm afraid of losing touch with,
it's my outer adult"

We can reconnect with our inner child at will and in a million different ways. Remember what it was like as a child, to lay on your back and try and find interesting shapes in the cloud formations? How about getting a bike and going for a ride again? Tobogganing, playing in the sand at the beach, telling corny jokes, running and kicking through a pile of leaves, jumping in a mud puddle...I'm sure you get the idea. Just think of what you liked or wanted to do as child and go for it. It's never too late to have a happy childhood!

"if you carry your childhood with you,
you never grow older" Tom Sheppard

Even if your physical abilities prevent you doing some activities, there are other things you probably enjoyed as a child. Try drawing, painting or writing a story or poem. It really matters not whether you are good at it, only that you have FUN! How about finger painting?

"the things which the child loves
remain in the domain of the heart" Kahlil Gibran

Children are naturals at finding joy and happiness especially with their imagination. We've all seen young kids have more fun with the box, then with the gift inside?

Still having trouble with the concept? Then go borrow a child and get down on the floor and play with them. Don't worry, kids can always think of a game. So let's dust off our imagination, connect with the kid in you, and go for a spin.

Smile, it looks really good on you!

Eduardo