Waking up to fresh snow in the morning brings joyful memories of childhood and more! I know a little boy who delights in the prospects of playing outside when snow appears. I’m sure he’s not the only one.
Snow and kids go together like milk and cookies! Dressed warmly in their colourful snowsuits, pushing snow with their red plastic shovels they add such colour to our winter. What pleasure it is to watch them play with complete abandon, on their knees rolling the snow into large snowman bodies, building forts or just examining the snowflakes on their mittens.
It’s no wonder that children are the best teachers of joy. Any opportunity to observe and engage with children can serve as a delightful reminder to adults about the simple and genuine sources of joy in life.
“A child can teach an adult three things: to be happy for no reason, to always be busy with something, and to know how to demand with all his might that which he desires.”
– Paulo Coelho
Children often find joy through their innate qualities and perspectives. If you want to be more joyful, take a cue from them, and connect with these qualities within you:
- Playful Spirit: Children embody a playful and carefree spirit, reminding adults of the joy found in simple activities.
- Curiosity: Their natural curiosity encourages exploration and a sense of wonder, fostering joy in discovering new things.
- Living in the Moment: Children are often fully present in the moment, emphasizing the joy of the here and now.
- Authentic Expressions: Children express their emotions genuinely, teaching the value of authentic joy and uninhibited laughter.
- Creativity: Their imaginative play and creativity showcase the joy in uninhibited self-expression.
- Unconditional Love: Children often exhibit unconditional love, highlighting the joy found in deep and genuine connections.
- Resilience: Learning from setbacks, children show resilience and an ability to bounce back, emphasizing the joy in overcoming challenges.
- Appreciation for Small Things: Children find joy in the smallest of things, reminding adults of the beauty in everyday moments.
- Spontaneity: Embracing spontaneity and unpredictability, children teach the joy of going with the flow.
- Natural Curiosity: Children’s constant questioning and curiosity about the world around them inspire adults to find joy in learning and exploration.
Challenge yourself to focus on one or more of these qualities and integrate them in your day. Pick one or two, and try to put it at the centre of your day. Be naturally curious, or, try to be more spontaneous and see if that makes you smile or laugh more.
See the world with fresh eyes and an open mind. Remember, finding joy is often about changing your perspective and actively choosing to embrace positivity in various aspects of your life.
“Children are happy because they don’t have a file in their minds called ‘All the Things That Could Go Wrong.’”
– Marianne Williamson
Next time it snows, dress warmly, wrap a colourful scarf around your neck and go play outside. Shovel the driveway making a game out of it. Take a walk and stop to gaze at the snow-covered trees, studying them like it’s the first time you experience it. Make a snow angel and see if that doesn’t make you feel the joyful innocence of being in the moment! We have much to learn from our children.
On voit que tu sais observer les enfants et te souvenir des instants merveilleux de cet âge. La joie y occupe toujours une si grande place. Puisses-tu toujours vivre cette joie en toi devant les personnes, les animaux et les choses dans ta vie. Je me le souhaite aussi! Ton admiratrice
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