30 Days of Gratitude: Day 16

Rediscovering Childhood Innocence

When thinking about childhood innocence, it's essential to recognize that not everyone's childhood was easy or simple. When we think of rediscovering childhood innocence, it doesn't mean looking back at our own childhood; it means seeing life through a child's lens.

I want us to think about bubbles. I don't care how old you are; there is something so innocent about playing with bubbles. Watching little ones play with bubbles brings nothing but smiles and giggles to their little faces. When I was at one of my kiddo's weddings this fall, they had bubble guns, and the kids just fell in love with it! Did you know that blowing bubbles can reduce mental health issues by creating a calming, joyful environment and encouraging steady breathing? As we get older, we find ourselves living in a world of deadlines, constant work cycles, responsibilities, and we realize that getting older isn't what we thought it would be as a kid. The innocence of childhood was taken for granted, and we lost the gratitude that came with simple things.

I have always loved working with kids of all ages. As much as I love my youth...and believe me, I do; I love the littles because they have a sense of gratitude that gets lost as we get older. They learn to say thank you without needing something in return. They learn to respond to "thank you" with "you're welcome" instead of "uh-huh" or "okay." There is a genuineness to their interactions. When we practice childlike innocence, we not only make someone else feel appreciated, but we also do something for our minds.

As you go about your day, take some time to reflect on your days of innocence. Think about the things that made you smile, the things that mattered. Reconnect to the child inside, filled with unconditional love, happiness, gratitude, and innocence.