Son: Mom, you’re a grown up but you didn’t grow up.
Mother: Sometimes if you’re very smart you can avoid it. Do you know how? Stay innocent. Stay with your heart.
Son: And do silly dancing?
Mother: Yes, do lots of silly dancing!
Last week I celebrated the beginning of another year in life with my sister, children, and a few girlfriends. After the ladies had to say goodnight we spent a portion of the eve choreographing a popular song and putting on makeshift costumes. We had a lot of fun with the movement. The conversation above ensued the following day. Beyond pleased with my child’s observation, I took his words and went flying with them. Luckily the landing was successful and I can now share retrospect with you.
Love, happiness, and contentment reside in staying innocent as we move through life. We can be in the world but not of it. Be a child at the core, delighting in the abundance of simplicity surrounding you. Be cognizant of the wonders at your fingertips everyday. Be open to the newness of it all, because it will be new to you if you allow.
Take time this weekend to identify with something that stirs childlike wonder within. There is no ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ way to go about honoring yourself and your soul. Be in tune with you. Do what brings you the greatest amount of joy. Listen to your inner guidance and easily move where it leads.
Comments about the activities and moments that set your heart humming are welcome!
Presence and Positivity 
in moments, I find myself overflowing with gratitude and awe when with my kids. For the very reason that they shine a light on Wonderment again. Adults can refresh their view on the world as they raise a little child.
Beetles, ants, plants, fish, dragonflies, horses, paint, water, a cheese stick = all great entertainment this weekend.
None of these greater than having a little friend stay the night and realize how lucky they felt to genuinely like someone and be liked back. Connection. The last words I heard before bed was, ‘I love you Wyatt. I love you Liam. I love you Chace.” and each person was enveloped with a smile when soaking in these words from another. It was such a tiny, yet massive beauty to witness. I had a sense of Wonderment with these phrases that were shared between 2 and 4 year olds. Again, these words were their greeting in the morning before Batman play, TV show and breakfast. ‘I love you’ and a face beaming with bubbles that they were able to be together for the entire morning.
Did they have sharing conflict? yes. Did they want to play different games? yes. Did they hurt each other feelings a few times? yes. That did not take away from the fact that they did not just enjoy each other’s company but thrived and exploded happily in it.
I felt this way with two friends this weekend myself. The ability to share a quiet moment, smiles, empathy and a hug. Perfection.
Wonderment that this is truly enough.
Happy Happy Happy new year Valerie! It already turning into a superb one.
LikeLike
i love you, jess ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person