Categories: uncategorized
Date: 12 September 2006 12:15:55
The essence of this is rediscovering the things you enjoyed doing as a kid, and indulging in them as an adult. This comes with the proviso that they must be *nice* things. If you were prone to pulling legs of spiders or picking on your siblings, then I am not recommending that you re-start. ;)
Obviously, some of the things we did as kids would earn us funny looks if we were seen doing them as adults. There are a few ways around this:
a) Make sure no-one is looking and do exactly the same thing. An example of this is found in my skipping and singing 'I'm free', running into straw bales and sitting on a child's swing in my second 'Looking after myself' entry. This is my particular favourite, but it carries a certain amount of risk (which can make it even more inviting!)
b) Do an 'acceptable' adult equivalent. If you enjoyed colouring books, the how about taking up an art class. One who liked to cycle around with their mates or kick a ball about may enjoy mountain-biking or joining a local football team. Use your imagination (another much neglected childhood attribute)
c) Introduce your own kids/nieces/nephews and/or friends kids to a childhood passion of yours. If you can spare the time/energy perhaps you could help with a local youth group. The possibilities are endless and laughter is practiacally guaranteed (this approach also links to 'Take time to play')
The things you enjoyed need not be particularly active, either. If you were an avid reader or enjoyed playing an instrument, make time to hole yourself up and indulge in this, too. The second 'Looking after myself' entry centred around me going off for a walk in an old chilhood haunt and enjoying my surroundings the same as I used to, with unashamed fascination. (The other day, in Dorset, I even re-visited my old game of grasshopper tracking. Was a little disappointed that I did not catch one this time, I must be out of practice!)
You may not be able to be as blatantly childlike and silly as me, but that is fine. The point is that you take a look at the things that made you happy as a kid, and make time for them in your life now. Go on, give it a go!