One Junior Birdman and one Senior
Six years ago, I wrote a book entitled I’m a Humdinger: And You Can Be One Too, with the Help of a Child. I included this list of things, that children do instinctively. In times such as these, we would do well to “steal” some of their secrets for squeezing every delicious drop out of life.
Children abide by rules that adults are reluctant to adopt. But in case you want to give it a try . . . .
How to Be a Child Again
- Wake up early and get busy. It’s a new day; a new world. And don’t go to bed until you absolutely have to. There’s so much to be done, to see, to enjoy.
- Talk to yourself. Give yourself pep talks throughout the day.
- Play outdoors, whenever possible, even if it requires putting on your mittens and earmuffs. (Or, more recently, your new “Halloween” mask.)
- Explore.
- Learn something new every day and share it with someone else.
- Sing, smile, skip. Dance when you feel like it. Be spontaneous.
- Get your hands dirty—in the kitchen, in the garden or backyard.
- Respond to people based on the size of their smile and heart, not by the size of their house or wallet.
- Forgive and forget. Don’t pout too long. Take a “time out” when you need to repair your attitude.
- Walk everywhere you possibly can–inside, outside, upstairs, along the sidewalk, in the park. And do it with a bounce in your step.
- Wear what feels good, regardless of color or season.
- Most important, look someone in the eye every day and say, “I wuv you,” even if it’s the dog.
How many of these can you do today?
Need to get your head on straight? This is guaranteed to take your mind off of things.
