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As adults, we may think we’ve got it all figured out. But in reality, there are a few truths we forget along the way as we grow older. Childhood may seem like a lifetime ago, but these timeless, simple lessons from children have much to teach us, even as adults.
20 enlightening truths we can learn from children
1. Your imagination is a powerful, life-changing tool. A child’s imagination is a beautiful, powerful entity. There’s no other tool you can use to create your own, invisible friends to keep you company when you’re lonely. Or where you can transform your bedroom into a castle in the clouds. And where you can turn literally any gloomy situation into a fantastical fairytale. Your imagination is not just something you use to figure out solutions to problems; it’s your key to positivity and finding light in the darkest moments.
2. Every day is a clean slate and fresh start. Can you remember waking up as a child and feeling so excited and invigorated for the day ahead? Every new day was full of possibilities and adventures to be had. What has changed since then? Sure-we have a lot more on our plates to deal with every day, but your attitude is key in determining what kind of day you’ll have. Ultimately, only you can decide what you’ll make of today.
3. You learn the most when you’re passionately curious. A child’s curiosity is insatiable. There are always things and places to explore, questions to ask, and new frontiers to be discovered. As we become older though, we become hesitant to ask more questions in fear of drawing too much attention to ourselves. Children don’t worry if their questions sound unintelligent, insignificant, or even redundant. They ask because they’re curious and they want to learn. Show a childlike curiosity in all things; you’ll be surprised at how much more you can learn!
4. Every person is special. Children have the amazing capability to find the unique qualities in every person. It doesn’t matter what a person looks like, what they do, or how they act. A child finds the admirable, unique traits in every person, and knows that everyone has something special to offer.
5. Showing sincerity can get you out of a lot of trouble. A child’s innocence and sincerity can be very persuasive, especially when they’ve just gotten into trouble. They don’t try to be arrogant and prove that they’re right just to make a point. Rather, they show sincerity and humility in their truest forms.
6. No dream is too crazy to believe in. Dreams are not just a childlike pursuit that we should give up as we get older. Just as the visionary Walt Disney said, “All our dreams can come true if we have the courage to pursue them.”
7. Find beauty in the little things. Ever notice how wide a child’s eyes become as they visually absorb whatever they’re looking at? Children are incredible at finding beauty and appreciation for the smallest things. There’s beauty all around us, if only we take the time to look for it.
8. Express yourself without inhibition. Sure-children are known for throwing tantrums and crying for seemingly no reason, but there’s a bit of bravery in that. Not only are they unafraid to express their thoughts and feelings, they also embrace those feelings to the fullest, and make sure that you know how they feel.
9. Don’t waste any time worrying about what others think of you. Children are often absorbed in their own imaginations and thoughts, leaving little time to worry about what others think and/or say about them. They don’t concern themselves with deprecating thoughts that reflect what others say. Who has time for that?
10. An active body fuels an active mind. Kids seem to move at a non-stop pace, and there’s a good reason for that. Studies have shown that the secret to a younger brain may lie in how active you are. There’s an inherent connection between the body and mind, and data continues to confirm that our physical health is a reflection of our mental health.
11. Do what you love. As we grow older, it becomes harder and harder to set aside the time to do the things we actually love and are passionate about. Have you ever watched a child play and become completely engrossed in whatever they’re doing? One of my nieces adores puzzles, and she’ll sometimes spend hours working on one. Seeing her smile with glee as the pieces click into place, and the sense of pride she feels when she finishes it is truly inspiring. At what point as adults did we decide that we couldn’t make the time to do the things we love, too? Do what you love more, and you’ll find life far more enjoyable.
12. Unconditional self-love is something we should all strive for. Unlike adults, children don’t have an inexhaustive list of things they want to fix or change about themselves. They accept themselves as they are, and don’t worry about what others think about them. At some point along the way, many of us lose that ability to love ourselves unconditionally, and we spend our whole lives trying to change who we are, rather than just being the person we’re meant to be.
13. You can always find humor in any situation. Ever notice how children often laugh for seemingly no reason? Children understand that laughing makes you feel good, no matter the situation. In fact, sharing a laugh with others has been proven to release endorphins: the feel-good chemicals that our brains release. So go ahead-laugh more!
14. No challenge is insurmountable. Have you ever described a problem that you were having at work, at school, or in your personal life to a child? Did you ever notice how they see things more simply, and aren’t fazed by the details that would stress out the average adult? Children aren’t discouraged by problems and stressors, and see them as challenges to overcome, rather than problems to worry about.
15. Your fears are your greatest impediment. Children are fearless little people and they know no limits to what they can do. I can remember a ski trip I took with my family a couple years ago. Seeing these single-digit aged kids whiz down the slopes past all the adults in the French fries position without any poles was mind-blowing. They were utterly fearless. Why should we as adults be any different?
16. A good, long sleep does wonders for your mood. Have you ever noticed how a long sleep at night, or even a midday power nap, does wonders for your mood and outlook? A grumpy, exhausted child may throw a royal tantrum before bed, but come morning, they won’t even remember last night’s tantrum and whatever upset them so much. Sleep has a powerful, rejuvenating effect that we all need, especially when we need to hit that “Reset” button.
17. You can never say, “I love you,” too much. Children are never embarrassed to express how they truly feel, especially when it comes to love. They love unconditionally and without inhibition, just as we all should.
18. Live in the moment like your life depends on it. Children are experts at living in the moment. After all, why should anyone dread tomorrow and the distant future when today is happening right now? Make the most of your life today. Tomorrow will always come, but you’ll never get today back.
19. Optimism really is the best medicine. Can you remember those sick days where you stayed at home and couldn’t wait to feel better so you could get outside and play again? An optimistic, cheerful attitude and perspective has been proven to help people recover faster from surgery and even serious diseases. Children are incredibly resilient, and their optimism is a key reason for this.
20. Be yourself unapologetically. At one point between childhood and adulthood did we become ashamed of who we are? Or how we look? Or what we do? Children are themselves unapologetically, and they don’t look in the mirror with the sole intent of finding new flaws and shortcomings. They embrace themselves (and others) just as they are, and what’s more, they never apologize for the person they are.
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