Yum. And fun! Not really interested to hear the reasons why I shouldn’t…
2. Giggling until something comes out of your nose
Yeah, that’s gross. But, do you remember how hard you had to laugh before that happened? Now, that’s good silly session!
3. Being able to proudly declare what and who you love to the whole world
Just watch this 50 seconds of bliss and think for a moment about the pure joy she shows. “I can do anything good.” Yay for her!
4. Feeling safe when a someone you love is nearby
5. Anticipating a favorite and cherished holiday
For me, this is Christmas. That feeling which always takes me back to memories of my childhood is just so wonderful and warming.
6. Loving birthdays
I’ve confessed before to loving birthdays, even now that I am decades past childhood. Why give up all the fun of celebrating, just because there’s too many candles to fit on a cupcake?
I still love getting held by my Mama, and now I get to also squeeze my two little boys, too. Never, ever want to give that up.
8. Dancing in the rain
So… you get wet? That’s the whole point of splashing, jumping and twirling as it sprinkles.
9. Pancakes on Sunday mornings
This isn’t just the tastes and smells. This is about all the yummy aspects of this ritual. No need for any grown up to ever outgrow this experience.
10. Jumping and playing in piles of leaves
This was one of my favorite things about Fall when I was a kid — and now.
11. Fireflies
When I lived in Australia, I really missed seeing fireflies on summer nights because around Sydney, at least, there weren’t any. When my Aussie husband moved to the States with me a decade ago, I still remember the look of delight on his face when he saw them for the first time.
12. Skipping instead of walking… because you can
My sons and I sometimes skip to the car or the house when we’re going somewhere. Just for fun. And when other people see us, they almost always smile.
Doing childish things is very different from not giving up some things that help us recall our child-like joy.
What are some of the things that you love to do that remind you of that sense of unrestrained fun?
Featured image courtesy of lukeroberts via Creative Commons.
Becky worked as a reporter for more than 15 years in Washington, D.C.; Sydney, Australia; and Cleveland, Ohio for major publications including the New York Times, Salon.com, Business Week, the Wall Street Journal, and was Associate Editor of the Plain Dealer's Editorial Page before she launched the consulting practice, Gaylord LLC. The company helps clients improve their external relations and communication and increase their influence and impact. Becky blogs about that (a few other things) at Framing What Works.
Loved catching fireflies as a kid growing up in Texas. And I've written two public love letters on my blog for the one I love...as well as a couple other posts for the daughters I love.
For the rest of the list - it's the simple pleasures that can captivate, right?
Ah, my first firefly sighting each summer always takes me back to my childhood. Other things (for me) that are not on your terrific 12 list: making snow angels, singing loudly in the car, and dancing around the house. Thanks for the smiles.
I will replace #2 with laughing so hard you snort. I have been guilty of this on a few occasions. It is one of the most comforting sounds after you have cracked a joke.
Love love love this, @BeckyGaylord! Jessica's morning affirmation makes me smile every time. I love fireflies too and am so due for another giggle with you.
@PegFitzpatrick Thanks, Peg! I think I am going to put this post on my desktop and pull it out when I need to smile. I agree that Jessica totally rocks. We all need just some of that...
This post made me smile like a 5 year old. Truly magical. One for me would be singing into a hairbrush and pretending to be a rock star. I can hear the imaginary crowd cheering now.