gleeful innocence

I have recently been given the opportunity to experience the wonderful bliss that is childhood. Although I have spent a lot of time in my life working with children, I am always surprised at how quickly I forget the innocent wonder and unrelenting imagination that children encompass.

Three weeks ago I started working at an after school program close to home, where I get to spend time with munchkins from kindergarten to grade four - primarily with the 7 and 8 year-olds. One of the beautiful things about children is their unending curiosity to acquire information and their fascination to get to know you and what you’re all about. This makes it instantly easy to break the ice, and their up front and slightly abrupt salutations leave you feeling as if you’ve somehow passed the test — whatever that test may be.

Children are really good at not holding anything back, and it is something I admire and respect about them. They put everything out there, unapologetic and genuine - completely confident in every quirk, every passing thought, and every weird outburst. Imagine a world where we all adopted that kind of approach. I love how they don’t think twice about voicing their opinions, singing their original composition at the top of their lungs, or giggling uncontrollably about accidentally wearing their shirt backwards for the entirety of the day.

It’s all so real. So raw. So uniquely them. What you see is what you get. They know no other way but to exude full ownership of every parts of themselves, and it is accompanied by complete and utter pride. Life is so much more forgiving when you live that way, at least that’s what I have observed through them. I want to live that way - making my way through the days not thinking twice about all the things I have to offer.

I love the way children continuously allow themselves to be vulnerable, without even realizing it. The way they open up their hearts to each other, share their sadness and their excitement. Opening themselves up wide, unknowing of how it will be received, but doing so regardless. I still haven’t figured out why it becomes increasingly more difficult to be vulnerable as you grow older and accumulate more insight into the way the world works. As we find more ways to be fearful and less ways to be human. But apparently we, as adults are doing it all wrong, because everyday I see firsthand how much love is shown when you dare to be yourself.

Children trust without question. Perhaps this goes along with vulnerability, but I love the way they willingly believe anything you have to say, because it doesn’t cross their mind to think otherwise. They are so ready to trust you, to trust others, and to assume the best intentions. Ignorance is bliss.

Children have an endless desire to expend energy, and a lot of the time this is exhausting, but other times it gives me energy to get involved and attempt to have as much fun as they appear to be having. When you mix unending energy with boundless creativity the result is magic. Magic in the fact that they want to include everyone and they want to listen to each contribution and idea. Magic in the form of acceptance, competition and a shared love to run around like a crazy person on a mild January day.

How freeing it must be to go through life unaware and unaffected by what other people think. To see the good in those you come in contact with. To encapsulate a desire to ensure that everyone has a voice and a chance to be involved.

Every week I get to lead a group of kids in an art workshop. Anyone who knows me will smile when they picture the excitement this must bring me. A new craft, every Thursday. What a dream. I absolutely love observing a child who is mid-creation. Not only at the art station, but throughout every day it always amazes me how they can create so much out of so little. How a simple material can transform from a clothespin to a fiery dragon’s wing in a matter of seconds. How you can physically see the millions of synapses firing — their brain a factory full of ideas being made, coming to life before my very eyes. I am completely perplexed and in awe of the imagination of a child.

A little kindness goes a long way. It’s amazing how much a bit of love and attentiveness can bond you with a person, and I am reminded daily of this. Be kind. Be forgiving. Be willing to give all your attention to the obscure story they are pouring out to you. They’re telling you for a reason. Listen well and listen fully.

I love children. I love learning from them, and laughing with them and being encouraged not to take life so seriously. I love the diversities in personality, the giggles and the excitement. I love the problem-solvers, the compromisers, the emotional-rollercoasters, the natural leaders, the people pleasers, the care-givers.

I love being shown time and again how to find joy in the simple things, how to be present and patient, how to live without worries and how your imagination can transport you absolutely anywhere.

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