The secret to a happier life? Embrace your inner child. Here’s how to do just that.
We believe that a key ingredient to live a happier life, you need to become best friends with your inner child again. Watch the video below on how to keep the kid-in-you alive & kicking.
Take a moment to think about the people you really like, those people in your life who you look forward to spending time with. What is it that makes these people so much fun to be around? The personality traits we treasure in our friends as adults are the same characteristics children have in abundance.
So, here at BrightVibes we began thinking, wouldn’t the world be a better place if we were all more childlike? If, once in a while, we tapped in to that innocence and wonder we had as children?
Here are nine things that make kids unique, along with nine ways you can bring a bit of childlike fun to your everyday life. This is just a starting point, we’d love you to +1 our list by adding your own way to keep your inner child alive and kicking. Add them by commenting on this video on our Facebook page.
1. Live In The Moment
"Live for the moment because everything else is uncertain." – Louis Tomlinson
Children live only in the here and now. One minute they can be furiously angry, the next playing happily with the problem forgotten.
Unlike adults, children do not hold grudges, they don’t overthink things or worry about stuff that may or may not happen in the future.
Why not… Leaving your mobile phone at home for the day. Go for a walk and drink a coffee with no distractions. Unplug from technology and simply enjoy being in the moment.
2. Be More Honest
"Pretty much all the honest truth telling there is in the world is done by children." – Oliver Wendell Holmes
Kids say it like it is. They are honest – sometimes brutally so! They don’t lie and are not afraid to tell the truth.
Why not… Try telling people how you are really feeling once in a while, you might just be surprised by the reaction. Always tell the people you care about that you love them.
3. Don’t Be Afraid To Ask Why
"The important thing is not to stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reason for existing." – Albert Einstein
Children are naturally curious and constantly learning. With no past experience to base their decisions on, they ask questions and explore the world in order find out how things work. Hence, asking constant questions, which can drive parents mad!
Having no expectations gives kids a refreshing open-mindedness, something adults could benefit from.
Why not… Learn something new. Go to the library, visit an exhibition, sign up for a course.
4. Take A Risk
"Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all." – Helen Keller
Children are huge risk-takers. They have no fear and are not confined by rules, and so are more adventurous. They run fast, climb high and strike up conversations with anyone they think looks interesting.
Why not… Reach out to someone new. Strike up a conversation with a stranger, you never know where it could lead.
5. Trust More
"Few things help an individual more than to… let him know that you trust him." – Booker T Washington
Children’s default is to trust people. They don’t mistrust people who look different from them. They don’t judge others by the way they look or act, and they don’t discriminate. If someone is kind to a child, the child will reciprocate.
Why not… Be nice to someone you wouldn’t ordinarily interact with in your day-to-day life. Spread the love with a Random Act of Kindness.
6. Go Out To Play
"Only where children gather is there any real chance of fun." – Mignon McLaughlin
Children can make a game of anything, at any time, in any place and with anyone. A cardboard box can be a space rocket, den, puppet theatre, car… the possibilities are endless to a child. Adults avoid puddles, children stamp in them.
Why not… Be silly! As adults, we take life far too seriously. Step outside of your problems occasionally and take time to just have fun.
7. Stop Worrying About What Others Think
“You’ve gotta dance like there’s nobody watching, love like you’ll never be hurt, sing like there’s nobody listening, and live like it’s heaven on earth.” – William W Purkey
If a child likes something, they throw themselves in to it fully. They don’t care what anyone else thinks. They laugh, sing or dance when the feeling takes them. As adults, we worry about looking foolish. Who cares?!
Why not… Dance like nobody’s watching. Let go once in a while and truly express how you’re feeling, be that joy or sorrow.
8. Be More Creative
"Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up." – Pablo Picasso
Children don’t know how things are "supposed" to be done. They think outside the box and come up with their own unique ways of interpreting the world. This freedom leads to wonderfully expressive art and new solutions to problems.
Why not… Doodle. Take time out to draw, paint, colour, whatever you want, just get creative. Expressing your emotions through creativity helps process them, and could just help you find a solution you hadn’t thought of before.
9. Appreciate The Wonder Of The World
"Children see magic because they look for it." – Christopher Moore
To children, everything is new and exciting. They appreciate the world so much more than adults because each new experience is fresh and exciting.
Why not… Go to the park, look up at the night sky, be at one with nature. Being aware of beauty all around you will make you happier.