As responsibilities and stress continue barraging you on all fronts, it’s become official—you’ve stepped into adulthood. You may now identify with that stereotypical nine-to-five machine, who you swore you’d never be. But lo and behold, there’s still a chance to save yourself! There’s still a chance to embrace that spontaneous side of you that longs to appreciate and learn life with the curiosity of a child.
Although certain milestones, such as birthdays and jobs, are seen as this instant portal to the oh-so-terrifying stage of adulting, please don’t disregard that inner child of yours. You see, adulthood is a mere concept, made up by some wise old man and then accepted as a norm by the society. Instead of letting this norm prevent you from treasuring the wonders of life, let your inner child guide you toward curiosity and awe. As the wise words of Jedi Master Yoda echoed, “Truly wonderful, the mind of a child is.” Let’s not forget that.
But how, then, do you free that childlike mind of yours? Below are some ideas.
Pick up a new hobby. Or two. Or three.
Did you used to play chess with your old man? Or craft those holiday decorations with your mother? Why don’t you take a stab at those old hobbies or pick up a brand new one? I’ve heard meditation is in nowadays! Whatever it is, make sure it is something curious. Something a child would say “whoa” at.
Surround yourself with curious minds.
When you were a kid, you didn’t pick your friends based on popularity… you hung out with the ones who had the most peculiar stories and hobbies. Follow that same logic now—seek the company of individuals who wow you with fun facts, mind-boggling (and not always factual) stories, and random abilities. By doing so, you’ll open up a new world for yourself. All of us have interests and passions we have yet to discover— let others help you find yours.
Ask away.
As a child, nothing was off limits and questions were asked with no filter whatsoever. While you have (hopefully) developed some sense of diplomacy throughout the years, never stop asking. Question everything, everywhere. In no time, you’ve adopted a childlike curiosity, becoming a proactive learner.
Set aside the phone.
What is that one thing you didn’t have as a child? The one thing that now prevents you from detecting all the oddities of life? Yeah, you know it. Your phone. Let it slip into your pocket, or you might miss the story someone has been waiting all day to tell you… or a dog walking by you on the street. You wouldn’t want that, now would you?
Most of us have put up a facade to prevent others from seeing our true self— the child deep inside. However, by doing so, we may crush our own wings. But hey, you don’t need me to tell you this. You already know it.