This afternoon I had the pleasure of spending a little time with the coolest 11-year-old I know: my friends daughter, Mac. She invited me to her class for a Friday the 13th celebration with S’Mores, scary stories and a Goosebumps episode. Watching her with her classmates reminded me that the only thing separating kids and us old folks is our hesitancy to let life roll.
This little lady is outgoing, viciously witty, and radiates so much happiness in her existence. She walks with the sure step of someone who hasn’t yet discovered self-consciousness, a quality which I am now making my own personal mission. As I looked around the room, I noticed no one exhibited the angst I’ve become accustomed to in my daily life; nothing seemed to weigh them down. Sure, they’ve not yet taken the plunge into the gritty realities of life, but it got me thinking about how difficult it is for me to feel O.K. with a little lightheartedness.
I know we’ve all got responsibilities and baggage that makes walking through life with wide eyes difficult, but I want to encourage you to give yourself permission to cut loose. Laugh louder. Talk with emotion. Read books that remind you how wonderful it is to daydream. What will you do to feel younger this weekend?
LaKase Cousino 