8 Life Lessons Every Adult Should Learn From Kids

It's easy to feel like we, as adults, are the teachers and it is our job to share everything that we know and have learned with the youth of today. It's funny how sometimes, the things we have "learned" are the same things that hold us back in our lives.
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Some of life's biggest lessons are the most basic. As we grow into adults, we are inundated with facts and rules that, if we believe them, begin to shape our reality. The more of these rules we take on, often, the further we get carried from our truest self -- the version of ourselves that existed when we were 6 years old, the version of ourselves which has the greatest capacity for joy and for sharing our innermost gifts with the world.

So, how do you get back to the true lessons of life? By remembering what it means to be a child all over again.

"Only a child sees things with perfect clarity, because it hasn't developed all those filters that prevent us from seeing things that we don't expect to see." -Douglas Adams

Here are just a handful of the "rules" we played by as children ourselves. Let us continue to be reminded of them as we enjoy the inspiring, free-flowing joy that our children see each day.

  1. Dream. Dream as big and as crazily as you want. And while you're at it, do it as if the dream is already here. Be the person you want to become now!

  • Laugh. A lot. For no reason. Life is meant to be enjoyed.
  • Listen to your inner voice -- it will tell you everything you need to know about yourself. Young children often don't filter their interests or aspirations because they haven't been inundated with "you can't" or "be practical" messages. In reality, other people have no idea of the extent of what is possible for themselves, much less you. Let them live in their limitations, and you can enjoy the flow and prosperity that comes with listening to your inner voice and living your best life.
  • Curiosity is the key to savoring the little things in life. When you approach each moment with fresh eyes, you see new details to enjoy and fun to be had.
  • Slow down and (literally) smell the roses -- involve your senses daily. It keeps your body alive and reminds you what a beautiful world this truly is!
  • Finger painting is always the right answer. Creativity without rules, success or critique is beneficial to the human condition. What the end product looks like is completely irrelevant. Creative work is a joyful way to move energy through your body and keeps you in touch with your inner voice.
  • Hugs and kisses are always appropriate and should be given liberally. We are all here to feel connection and share love with each other. Now give somebody a long hug. I dare you to not enjoy it!
  • Always be ready for fun. Enjoying life is not something that should have to be scheduled. Make sure you always have room in your schedule for flexing when fun arrives.
  • It's easy to feel like we, as adults, are the teachers and it is our job to share everything that we know and have learned with the youth of today. It's funny how sometimes, the things we have "learned" are the same things that hold us back in our lives.

    Perhaps we are the ones who should be looking to children for the real guidance on making our lives more fulfilled. Untainted, pure life water flows through them as they enjoy each moment. Dream, laugh, play, love. We can all use a little more of that in our lives.

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