Have You Forgotten What It’s like to Be a Child?

Summary

The article encourages adults to rediscover and embrace childlike traits such as living in the present, not worrying excessively about money, and having a limitless imagination to enhance their happiness and success.

Abstract

The article "Have You Forgotten What It’s like to Be a Child?" reflects on the value of retaining certain childlike behaviors as adults. It suggests that while not all childhood traits are beneficial, qualities such as living fully in the present moment, not being overly concerned with financial costs, and maintaining an unbounded imagination are worth preserving. These traits can lead to a more spontaneous, imaginative, and hopeful approach to life. The author argues that by emulating these aspects of childhood, adults can counteract the conformity and limitations that often come with maturity, thereby enriching their pursuit of happiness and success.

Opinions

The author believes that adults can learn from the carefree and imaginative nature of children, which can be beneficial in their adult lives.
It is emphasized that adults tend to overthink about past and future concerns, which can stifle their creativity and enjoyment of the present.
The article suggests that an excessive focus on money can hinder imaginative endeavors, and adults should adopt a more faith-driven approach when facing new challenges.
The author posits that a child's ability to imagine without limits is a trait that adults should strive to maintain, as it can lead to greater achievements and a more fulfilling life.
The author encourages a balance between wisdom and maturity with the enthusiasm and boundless imagination of a child.

Three childlike traits that may be useful now

Have you ever encountered someone who is still very childlike in their behaviour? We were there once upon a time. Carefree about almost anything under the sun. Not worried about the finances, not bothered with what others think. There is a sense of imagination, creativity, and curiosity in them.

These are some of the traits of a child. As we grow, We learn to conform and lose our childlike faith.

Not all childhood traits are good. For example, when they intrude without permission into somebody’s personal space. Or take someone’s things without asking.

However, some traits are good, like:

1. They live in the present

Children do not worry about their past or their tomorrow. If they enjoy the present, they will show everyone they are enjoying the moment. How do we know? They will dive into the activity. They will laugh and play without looking at the time.

We can emulate some of that spontaneity to live in the present without worrying about the past or tomorrow.

2. They have no concerns about money

As adults, we often become too obsessed with money. We measure the cost of every activity. While it may not be wrong to figure out how much it costs, it sometimes hinders our imagination to the extent that we dare not try it.

Like an explorer going out in faith, we must take some risks in any new endeavour. We must be childlike in our faith when we see a glimmer of hope.

3. They set no limits to their imagination

Children can imagine without limits. As adults, we often become too rational and cannot dream as big as we used to as a child. We are afraid of failure and disappointment.

Maybe, it is time that we use our imagination to dream bigger like a child, and perhaps we will accomplish more.

Let’s learn to be more like a child in our pursuit of happiness and success. We need some childlike traits that we once had when we were young.

Be wise and mature, but at the same time, learn to be as enthusiastic as a child.

A special shoutout to some of the following writers:

Have You Forgotten What It’s like to Be a Child?

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