Since its Friday, I wanted to post something that’s fun.  One of the coolest things about working with and just being around little kids and teens is that I get to let that youthful, fun, innocent, idealistic side of me just hang out.  Don’t get me wrong I’m also a very serious, get-down-to-business, focused individual, even as a youth development professional, but I think it’s important to be ‘present’ and seize each moment.

 A lot of real young children have this natural inclination to simply be…ask or say what’s on their mind, run or dance like no one’s looking, read or play without having a care in the world.

 As we grow up learning rules and structure, being told what not to and what we should do, even at times before we are teenagers in many cases, we often lose this sense of freedom.  Not to say we shouldn’t have structure or learn societal norms, but sometimes we allow those things to be so engrained that they diminish our natural sense of individuality.

 To put another way, how often have you:

– Had an idea but waited to get someone else’s approval or thought it was so big you talked yourself out of it
– Wanted to do something but gave all kinds of excuses for why you couldn’t or pushed it off
– Seen someone or felt yourself the desire to dance at a place/event & because no one else was, you didn’t or you waited til others were
– Wanted to or felt you should say or express something to someone but you didn’t out of fear, rejection, pride…

 We all at some point may have experienced things like this.  Not to say you shouldn’t think about things, heck I’m probably one of the biggest philosophizing, accessing, analyzing, considering other peoples feelings person I know; but sometimes we have to ask ourselves is that stopping us from being who we are meant to be.

 I think it’s cool to get in touch with that 2yr old self we all experienced and dance, play, act, sing, love out loud. It reminds us of how to live without barriers or holding ourselves back. You may be surprised what’s simmering just under the surface, waiting to come out…a new business, a new project, a relationship, a connection with a family member you never had before, or getting involved in a cause that’s important to you.

 My challenge to you today is to tap into that childlike spirit and do something fun, silly, a lil crazy, or that takes you out of your norm..

– Call a relative you rarely ever speak to and just talk and see what’s going on in their life
– Go to the gym, a dance class, the roller rink, or something that you haven’t done in a long time but been wanting to
– Email to friends or post that poem, that short story, that song you recorded that no one has heard
– Heck, go kick it with a 2-7yr old and actually ‘play’ with them, not supervise

Whatever it is, find something to do today or sometime this weekend that takes you out of your comfort zone and allows you to be’ free to just be’. And if you enjoy it (which I’m sure you will), challenge yourself to do things like that every week.  Get into the habit of stepping outside your box. 

 Have an amazing day!