• How might letting my inner child guide me shift my day?
My inner child can be wonderful, dull, or painful, but I am choosing the wonderful inner child – free, open my eyes to more possibilities, laugh and cry more, live a carefree life, sense of wonderment, playfulness, curious, be true to self instead of any concerns that will put me in a box, wear mismatch outfit, sing off tune, shout on top my lungs …. Oh, what a wonderful day. ‘Rather than living every day as if it’s my last, I’ve shifted to a gentler approach of living every day as if it’s my first. I want to wake up and meet the day with the wonder of a newborn, to cultivate childlike qualities like curiosity and play.” Suleika Jaouad
Starting from a place of curiosity and openness. Colour, whimsy and laughter need elevating in a world where ‘grown up’ equates to rush and seriousness.
Oh, I generally don’t have a problem with my “inner child” or playing. And today was easy as I was riding my bike, just like I have done for the last 57yrs.
Playing out in nature with friends is a where I find my flow. And in general, I like to be goofy and have a little fun in whatever I’m doing. Of course, sometimes it’s harder or inappropriate. My wife says it’s like I’m on crack in the morning. And she’s right. I’m not sure why I have that energy, but I’ve always been this way.
Not so much today, but yesterday at the Irish festival I felt giddy watching the tiny tots (maybe age 5-10) play gaelic football. It was very amusing.
Also, we did a session of Celtic story telling which was very funny as well.
The child
never left me,
I’m afraid . . .
she’s there,
behind my eyes
rain or shine.
She is why I talk to animals
and sing to plants
and wait with anticipation
for the fireflies every June.
She is the imagination
that fills both my thinking
and my feeling minds,
and can be a curse sometimes.
She is the mischief in my eyes
and the sorrow in my tears,
and when it comes right down to it
I secretly love her
and protect her
from harm.
She doesn’t shift my day
because she IS my day . . .
we counted petals this morning
on the last lush rose of summer
and looked for toads
under the streaming trails of periwinkle
on the back patio.
She also shared my grief
when we heard the windchimes calling
above the five cats that are buried by the garden shed.
We kept it all to ourselves . . .
I wore an absurd little pink skirt edged in lace
over my leggings and heavy shoes
as I worked in the gardens–
the only indication
that there was a child
dwelling in this 77 year old body.
My husband
gave me a look
as I went through the kitchen,
and then returned to his newspaper.
I never gave it much thought,
but she comforts me
in the dark of the night
when childhood joys
seem far away. ♥
Yes Sparrow, I also feel I’m still that same child. I’m every age I’ve ever been. And like you, I’m still entertained by and interested in and look forward to much of the same magical stuff.
This question didn’t resonate with me this morning. I instantly thought about how I’ve been working on connecting to and healing my inner child, and I didn’t want to start my day that way. I chose not to go down that rabbit hole, as M2 put it!
Now that it’s early evening, I realize that my day was childlike… said hello to all of the cats in our neighborhood on our walk this morning. There are SO many of them, and my girl dog is obsessed! So am I, as I want to be friends with all the cats.
I am amazed daily by the number of geckos where we live. Kinda similar to how it was with the chipmunks in NC. They’re so cute and fill me with some wonder.
I went to a yoga class, and the teacher added in some fun, which I totally appreciate. Making funny sounds with our mouths made all of us laugh. Also, I’m so grateful I found a non-heated yoga studio! I went yesterday and was happy to get a new student membership and go back again today. I’m excited to try more of their classes. I also made a friend and she just happens to live in the same neighborhood. What a blessing!
I will be childlike with dinner because it’s football Sunday, so we’ll have a fun meal that we wouldn’t normally have – a bunch of finger foods!
Yes, I get where you’re coming from. My childhood was uh…interesting. The good part is that now I get to do the stuff that I really wanted to do when I was a kid.
Like Wavy Gravy says “ It’s never too late, to have an happy childhood”.
And like you, I can’t pass up a cat out in the world. And they seem to be attracted to me as well. 😊
Listening to people singing touching songs sometimes with a beautiful voice shifted my day today.. Some of them were deeply moving. Music may be able to shift my day. Singing together with my sibblings and our father is the most precious experience and memory of my childhood which might shine through and possibly shifts my day.like it did today.
“Rather than living every day as if it’s my last, I’ve shifted to a gentler approach of living every day as if it’s my first. I want to wake up and meet the day with the wonder of a newborn, to cultivate childlike qualities like curiosity and play.” Suleika Jaouad
I love today’s quote and find it inspiring. It makes me feel free and eager. I’m not comfortable with the term “inner child” as I am only familiar with its psychological definition: For me, the inner child is a a psychological metaphor for the childlike, subconscious part of an adult’s personality that holds early memories, emotions, core beliefs, and unmet needs from childhood.” Many of my memories are of bullying and not feeling safe. But the quote, gives me “a gentler approach of living every day as if it’s my first.”
I too,
have a distaste,
dear Carol Ann,
for the term ‘inner child’,
as it has been so over-used
like so many other psychological terms have been.
Nice to know
it’s not just me. ♥
I often say that I carry inside me all the ages I’ve ever been, which includes my inner child. As a child I loved to read and to explore nature. I made up endless stories and acted some of them out with my younger sister, sometimes enlisting our pets in bit parts.
Inner Child can’t have the reins for too much of today, though. I have to do some chores, then my husband and I start on the big family trip to Montreal/Quebec with a drive to Seattle to stay at a hotel before our early-morning flight tomorrow.
I’ll be taking one last look at the garden before we go. I’ll be sure to admire the webs of the orb weavers that have moved into the tomatoes and raspberries and listen to insects and bird calls. My mom always had a chore chart up and we got gold stars for doing things (she was a teacher). I’ll give myself some gold stars for getting the laundry done so I can come home to fresh sheets and towels.
Let’s see… inner child makes me think of innocence and having fun. Today is my Dad’s 84th birthday. We are having a family get together. Will keep this in mind at our gathering.
My father-in-law turned 84 last April 3rd. My Dad is 94 as of August 5th. I have a step Aunt whose name is Frances. Francis and Frances always remind me of the Johhny Cash song ‘A Boy Named Sue’!
I might let go of having a schedule. I have a list everyday, and rather enjoy ticking off items I accomplish. My list is inclusive of choices around play and tasks that will make life smoother if I attend to them. The idea of an inner child has never really resonated with me. I believe we can have as much joy and fun as an adult as we did when we were children. Maybe even more depending on what our childhood was like. We could go way down this rabbit hole, however, I chose now, with deep appreciation and expectations of joy each day, along with the smorgasbord of experiences and emotions life has to offer.
What a great take on the Question,
dear Mary2.
There is no need
to go down the rabbit hole today . . .
there is so much joy waiting for us
in the moment. ♥
I make lists that mix fun and tasks too. Some weekends I make a list of possibilities–most definitely not a to-do list with expectation of checking everything off, but ideas for how I might spend the time. It always includes things like reading or going for a walk or taking a nap along with ambitious things like reorganizing a closet.
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• How might letting my inner child guide me shift my day?
My inner child can be wonderful, dull, or painful, but I am choosing the wonderful inner child – free, open my eyes to more possibilities, laugh and cry more, live a carefree life, sense of wonderment, playfulness, curious, be true to self instead of any concerns that will put me in a box, wear mismatch outfit, sing off tune, shout on top my lungs …. Oh, what a wonderful day. ‘Rather than living every day as if it’s my last, I’ve shifted to a gentler approach of living every day as if it’s my first. I want to wake up and meet the day with the wonder of a newborn, to cultivate childlike qualities like curiosity and play.” Suleika Jaouad
Starting from a place of curiosity and openness. Colour, whimsy and laughter need elevating in a world where ‘grown up’ equates to rush and seriousness.
Oh, I generally don’t have a problem with my “inner child” or playing. And today was easy as I was riding my bike, just like I have done for the last 57yrs.
Playing out in nature with friends is a where I find my flow. And in general, I like to be goofy and have a little fun in whatever I’m doing. Of course, sometimes it’s harder or inappropriate. My wife says it’s like I’m on crack in the morning. And she’s right. I’m not sure why I have that energy, but I’ve always been this way.
I always feel like a kid on my bike. So free, going fast, legs pumping.
I think,
dear Charlie,
that you have never lost touch
with the child within. 🙂
High on life, Charlie!🍁
Not so much today, but yesterday at the Irish festival I felt giddy watching the tiny tots (maybe age 5-10) play gaelic football. It was very amusing.
Also, we did a session of Celtic story telling which was very funny as well.
The child
never left me,
I’m afraid . . .
she’s there,
behind my eyes
rain or shine.
She is why I talk to animals
and sing to plants
and wait with anticipation
for the fireflies every June.
She is the imagination
that fills both my thinking
and my feeling minds,
and can be a curse sometimes.
She is the mischief in my eyes
and the sorrow in my tears,
and when it comes right down to it
I secretly love her
and protect her
from harm.
She doesn’t shift my day
because she IS my day . . .
we counted petals this morning
on the last lush rose of summer
and looked for toads
under the streaming trails of periwinkle
on the back patio.
She also shared my grief
when we heard the windchimes calling
above the five cats that are buried by the garden shed.
We kept it all to ourselves . . .
I wore an absurd little pink skirt edged in lace
over my leggings and heavy shoes
as I worked in the gardens–
the only indication
that there was a child
dwelling in this 77 year old body.
My husband
gave me a look
as I went through the kitchen,
and then returned to his newspaper.
I never gave it much thought,
but she comforts me
in the dark of the night
when childhood joys
seem far away. ♥
Just lovely, Sparrow. Thank you.
The Divine in me,
dear M2,
bows to the Divine in you. ♥
Yes Sparrow, I also feel I’m still that same child. I’m every age I’ve ever been. And like you, I’m still entertained by and interested in and look forward to much of the same magical stuff.
Whether we see it
or acknowledge it,
the world is still a magical place,
dear Charlie. ♥
This question didn’t resonate with me this morning. I instantly thought about how I’ve been working on connecting to and healing my inner child, and I didn’t want to start my day that way. I chose not to go down that rabbit hole, as M2 put it!
Now that it’s early evening, I realize that my day was childlike… said hello to all of the cats in our neighborhood on our walk this morning. There are SO many of them, and my girl dog is obsessed! So am I, as I want to be friends with all the cats.
I am amazed daily by the number of geckos where we live. Kinda similar to how it was with the chipmunks in NC. They’re so cute and fill me with some wonder.
I went to a yoga class, and the teacher added in some fun, which I totally appreciate. Making funny sounds with our mouths made all of us laugh. Also, I’m so grateful I found a non-heated yoga studio! I went yesterday and was happy to get a new student membership and go back again today. I’m excited to try more of their classes. I also made a friend and she just happens to live in the same neighborhood. What a blessing!
I will be childlike with dinner because it’s football Sunday, so we’ll have a fun meal that we wouldn’t normally have – a bunch of finger foods!
Yes, I get where you’re coming from. My childhood was uh…interesting. The good part is that now I get to do the stuff that I really wanted to do when I was a kid.
Like Wavy Gravy says “ It’s never too late, to have an happy childhood”.
And like you, I can’t pass up a cat out in the world. And they seem to be attracted to me as well. 😊
I am so happy,
dear SunnyPatti,
that you are settling in so well . . .
early beginnings I know,
but it bodes well. ♥
Listening to people singing touching songs sometimes with a beautiful voice shifted my day today.. Some of them were deeply moving. Music may be able to shift my day. Singing together with my sibblings and our father is the most precious experience and memory of my childhood which might shine through and possibly shifts my day.like it did today.
Music is magical. Glad you got to hear people singing.
“Rather than living every day as if it’s my last, I’ve shifted to a gentler approach of living every day as if it’s my first. I want to wake up and meet the day with the wonder of a newborn, to cultivate childlike qualities like curiosity and play.” Suleika Jaouad
I love today’s quote and find it inspiring. It makes me feel free and eager. I’m not comfortable with the term “inner child” as I am only familiar with its psychological definition: For me, the inner child is a a psychological metaphor for the childlike, subconscious part of an adult’s personality that holds early memories, emotions, core beliefs, and unmet needs from childhood.” Many of my memories are of bullying and not feeling safe. But the quote, gives me “a gentler approach of living every day as if it’s my first.”
I too,
have a distaste,
dear Carol Ann,
for the term ‘inner child’,
as it has been so over-used
like so many other psychological terms have been.
Nice to know
it’s not just me. ♥
I often say that I carry inside me all the ages I’ve ever been, which includes my inner child. As a child I loved to read and to explore nature. I made up endless stories and acted some of them out with my younger sister, sometimes enlisting our pets in bit parts.
Inner Child can’t have the reins for too much of today, though. I have to do some chores, then my husband and I start on the big family trip to Montreal/Quebec with a drive to Seattle to stay at a hotel before our early-morning flight tomorrow.
I’ll be taking one last look at the garden before we go. I’ll be sure to admire the webs of the orb weavers that have moved into the tomatoes and raspberries and listen to insects and bird calls. My mom always had a chore chart up and we got gold stars for doing things (she was a teacher). I’ll give myself some gold stars for getting the laundry done so I can come home to fresh sheets and towels.
I baked cookies yesterday so at least she can have some of those. (These ones: https://biketoworkbarb.blogspot.com/2008/11/seriously-good-oatmeal-cookie-recipe.html)
I’d probably do art–some drawing and painting.
Probably would have more fun doing frivolous things, which I do anyway, so probably not much.
Let’s see… inner child makes me think of innocence and having fun. Today is my Dad’s 84th birthday. We are having a family get together. Will keep this in mind at our gathering.
https://nationaltoday.com/st-francis-of-assisi-feast-day/ (my dad’s middle name is Francis)
My father-in-law turned 84 last April 3rd. My Dad is 94 as of August 5th. I have a step Aunt whose name is Frances. Francis and Frances always remind me of the Johhny Cash song ‘A Boy Named Sue’!
Hope you all have a fun gathering! Happy Birthday to your Dad!
Today is my granddaughters birth-day. She is an outdoor lover. StFrancis day is great for her. She hopes to study ecological sciences.
Happy Birthday to your granddaughter!
I might let go of having a schedule. I have a list everyday, and rather enjoy ticking off items I accomplish. My list is inclusive of choices around play and tasks that will make life smoother if I attend to them. The idea of an inner child has never really resonated with me. I believe we can have as much joy and fun as an adult as we did when we were children. Maybe even more depending on what our childhood was like. We could go way down this rabbit hole, however, I chose now, with deep appreciation and expectations of joy each day, along with the smorgasbord of experiences and emotions life has to offer.
I only make lists when I go to the grocery store. To many options can distract me from what I need, not what just seems appealing.
😉
What a great take on the Question,
dear Mary2.
There is no need
to go down the rabbit hole today . . .
there is so much joy waiting for us
in the moment. ♥
I make lists that mix fun and tasks too. Some weekends I make a list of possibilities–most definitely not a to-do list with expectation of checking everything off, but ideas for how I might spend the time. It always includes things like reading or going for a walk or taking a nap along with ambitious things like reorganizing a closet.
My inner child guides me to my simple mind, happy in the present, letting go of uncertain worries. Happy Sunday, everyone!
My Ngoc, that’s the best feeling of all.
Basketball loves me in return. Same can’t be said about business.