This post actually came from a speech I gave recently at a Toastmasters meeting; the speech was called”Be Like A Child“.
I had failed an attempt to color in an adult coloring book.
Can I look now?
Instead of being able to relax; I was tense. Instead of taking my time; I was rushing. Instead of being in the moment; I was thinking about what I wanted to accomplish next.
From this epiphany I wondered about my daily journey, Am I enjoying each day?
I enjoyed each day when I was young.
When I was young I didn’t think too far ahead. My parents were “in the driver seat” and they took care of planning and doing all the things that I was oblivious to. I metaphorically enjoyed the ride and looked out the window and it was relaxing and fun.
I remember enjoying each day after nearly losing the ability to.
After a period of five months in the hospital, and nearly dying – I remember finally leaving the hospital. I paused at the exit, finally able to enjoy a breeze, and feel the sun on my face. I stood there and lived that moment in the doorway of the hospital.
So what was I learning? Do I need a second childhood to live in the moment and enjoy what is going on around me? Do I have to darken death’s door to savor the treat of wind on my face?
I hope not.
I decided that I wanted to recover, and that we all should recover certain child like behaviors.
Confidence – a child does not make decisions based on success or failure, just seeks fun, and new experiences. Yes, I want child like confidence and child like positive attitude.
The ability to love and appreciate life – meaning myself, other people, and the world. The mindset that stops and appreciates the small beautiful things. The mindset that is generous and without hesitation tells people in my life that I love them, I appreciate them, my life is better because of them.
okanagan lake statues
I compared our lives to a bowl of soup. We are all given a bowl and each day is spoonful of life from our bowl. But some bowls will be empty before others, and none of us know when that spoonful is our last.
Taste your spoonful each day. Be like a child. Be like a child, taste it and don’t rush. It’s the only bowl you get.
Don’t nearly die first, Today remember your bowl is limited. Be like a child in confidence. Be like a child in generosity, and appreciating life. Take a deep breath, feel the breeze, get down on your knees and admire the green of moss.
Bless you and thank you for reading.
In between everything else this year I am trying to walk 7 kms each day. The youtube video below is one I made early February 9 about a kilometre from my home just after sunrise, instead of a wintery breeze it was calm so I savoured it.
Life and Random Thinking 
Wonderful post and what a view!!!!!! Thank you for sharing both!!!! 😄
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for your encouragement, it is wonderful to hear from you.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Beautiful approach to life. (I remember when you were there.)
LikeLike
It is when you so close to realizing your life is over, that it takes a greater significance.
LikeLike
Wow! What a view, indeed….thanks for sharing… 🙂
LikeLike
Thank you for your encouragement, 🙂
LikeLike
I love your observations. Some of us tend to lose that youthfulness when it comes to how we approach and enjoy (or not) life. A little more than a year ago, I moved back to a tiny fishing village to move into the family home. Since returning I’ve been able to enjoy life more because there is little around me to distract me from enjoying it. Your post reinforces this for me. Thanks for sharing.
LikeLiked by 2 people
yes I liked your thoughts. And of course your point was well made…. just looking at your other stuff. WOW
LikeLiked by 1 person
🙂 awesome! Beautiful thoughts beautifully penned down, it is awesome! Thanx for making my day 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
David, this is a great post and it resonates with me at this time in my life. I appreciate the words you have written, truly I do. Thank you for this post, I am glad I read it – I needed to read these words today. Have a great weekend. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes. Life is really exciting if you let go.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great post David ~ This is just the way to think when beginning a day: enjoy it as if you were a kid again. Like you, I enjoyed each day when I was young and your words remind me of the philosophy of Daoism where the goal is to return to the mind of a child.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I just started drawing again and I felt a little terrible. I used to be pretty good at it and now everything looks like a 4-year-old drew it. and I should know, I teach 4-year-olds. This post was very relate able. I think a lot of people in the western world are so obsessed with getting things done we forget to enjoy things and appreciate the little things.
LikeLike
I’m glad you found it that way. Slowing down and enjoying the moment is impossible if we worry about perfection and productivity. I liked your comment.
LikeLike
Beautiful post. We need to remember this everyday.
LikeLike
I sure appreciate the positive comments,thank you
LikeLike
I am interested that you walk 7km each day. I’m sure your health scare had a part in setting this routine. Keep it up. I have fallen out of my training saddle and need to get back into it.
Had to laugh at your failed attempt at the adult colouring book. Some of those books have such fine detail they must stress people out not de stress them!
LikeLiked by 2 people
You write very well! Like your point – I call it child like curiosity, if we regain that then we can explore without expectations ….
LikeLike
😎 thank you for the encouragement!
LikeLike