Summary

The article "Three Steps Towards Child-Like Joy" outlines a science-backed approach to rekindling the happiness and wonder typically associated with childhood.

Abstract

The article emphasizes the importance of recognizing and communicating positive experiences, practicing gratitude, and regularly engaging in new experiences as key strategies for cultivating child-like joy. It suggests that by actively noting and sharing positive events, embracing a grateful mindset, and challenging oneself with novel activities, individuals can enhance life satisfaction and overall happiness. The author, Ivy O, draws from scientific research and personal anecdotes to illustrate how these practices can counteract the burdens of adulthood and societal pressures, leading to a more fulfilling life. The article encourages readers to adopt these methods within their own capabilities, while also acknowledging the need for sensitivity to avoid "toxic positivity."

Opinions

The author believes that adulthood burdens such as financial responsibilities, societal expectations, and institutional pressures often diminish the joy experienced in childhood.
Ivy O advocates for the power of positive psychology, citing research by Shelly Gable and Johnathan Haidt, which suggests that there are more positive than negative experiences in life, and that we can capitalize on these to improve our well-being.
The article posits that self-negativity is prevalent in American culture, and that by recognizing and affirming positive aspects of oneself, individuals can build confidence and resilience.
Gratitude is highlighted as a crucial element for increasing happiness, with the author referencing Dr. Mark Bertin's work, which emphasizes that gratitude should be genuine and not forced.
The author acknowledges personal struggles with trying new things due to fear of failure but insists that embracing new experiences is essential for personal growth and rediscovering child-like curiosity.
Ivy O stresses the importance of understanding and leaning into life's challenges, suggesting that humans are inherently capable of overcoming adversity and finding satisfaction in the process.
The article concludes by reminding readers that while life is uncertain and can be difficult, it is also beautiful, and that small, consistent actions can significantly contribute to reclaiming the joy and wonder of youth.

Three Steps Towards Child-Like Joy

Backed by science, tried by personal experience.

Why is childhood oftentimes referred to as the period of our lives in which we are happiest? Why do we tend to lose the magic within everyday life, the vigor, and the excitement of waking up every morning? The answer perhaps lies in the fact that in adulthood we gain more burdens: bills must be paid, people must be fed, reputations must be upheld. Additionally, we might face social and institutional pressures which favor some and marginalize others.

The question here is how to be able to navigate life and all of its difficulties while maintaining that feeling of hope and wonder encapsulated in the term “child-like joy.” According to Shelly Gable and Johnathan Haidt’s work, there are approximately three times as many positive experiences in life than negative ones. With finesse, patience, and understanding, in addition to the multiple different scientifically-based strategies that I propose, we can best capitalize on these experiences and live happier, healthier lives.*

Step #1: Take care to highlight any positive experience.

Have you ever noticed how gleefully children speak about their day or something that pleases them?

Notation is a powerful tool in our arsenal. As illustrated in a study by Nathaniel Lambert et al, noting and communicating positive experiences with others heightens a sense of life satisfaction and happiness. I argue that this technique is also effective within oneself. For example, if I note how beautiful a particular flower on the road is and continuously note things every day for a week, I am more likely to appreciate the beauty around me.

Try it out now. Look around at your surroundings. Is anything pleasant to you? It could be anything: a picture, a piece of furniture, a snack, etc. Reflect on how it makes you feel.

Furthermore, apply this way of thinking to yourself. In the United States, we endure a culture of self-negativity, where the internalization of belittling outer forces is normalized. In recognizing any self-positives, we challenge this narrative and instill a new one. We build confidence and therefore our ability to tackle situations at hand. The growth I have felt from this last part of the step has likely been the greatest contributor to my increase in child-like joy. Previously, I worried about my capabilities, felt as if I had no skills, had a narrative of being lesser than my peers. In other words, I felt stuck.

Through this self-notation and positive sharing, I have been able to grow in peace with myself and my personhood and am now more excited to explore the world ahead of me. Hopefully, you will also feel these same effects.

Step #2: Practice gratitude any chance you get.

On the most part, children are grateful for anything and everything, as exemplified in the “It’s an Avocado, Thanks!” video that took the internet by storm. This sense of gratitude is key for our return to child-like joy. As written by Dr. Mark Bertin in his Psychology Today article, “gratitude alone increases happiness.” Bertin notes that this practice of gratitude cannot be forced, that we should not guilt ourselves into graciousness. So, how can we practice gratitude?

We might begin with being thankful. Noting when someone goes out of their way to help us out, acknowledging a friendship or relationship that has been pivotal to your success. Even just being mindful of the fact that you got through a difficult moment or achieved one of your goals might be effective. Additionally, practicing one’s religious or spiritual beliefs might also be a great way to frame gratitude and thankfulness. Remember, it truly is the little things that can make a huge difference.

Step #3: Challenge yourself to try new things.

As a child, we constantly explore the world around us. Everything is new and exciting, and there are little to no preconceived notions standing in our way. While we cannot get rid of our past experiences and beliefs, we can and should challenge ourselves to new experiences on a regular basis to be able to feel the joy and life satisfaction we desire. It can be difficult and certainly daunting; however, as Dr. Alex Lickerman discusses in his work, there are numerous possible positive outcomes that come from venturing into the unknown. We further our self-confidence, gain new skills and passions, and might even drive our life in a way that we did not previously predict for ourselves.

I personally struggle with this step the most; at the beginning of my journey, I would continuously push off new things due to a fear of failure. However, with time, I have amassed a great deal of general and self-knowledge which has only contributed to my quality of life.

Conduct yourself today in a way that your future self would be proud of.

Humans, from our bi-pedal and large-brained physiology to our ability to understand vast amounts of information and emotion, are built to withstand challenges. Once one begins to understand and lean into that discomfort, life can better unfold itself and become more satisfactory. Through our new experiences, we are able to re-gain that childhood curiosity and passion which is so admired.

Conclusion

Life is uncertain and can be difficult, but it is ultimately the most beautiful thing we will participate in. This article highlights that we are able to — through small actions — re-gain and maintain some of that fresh-eyed feeling from our youth. Small actions pile into larger actions and I hope these steps serve you as well as they have for me.

Written By Ivy O

If you enjoyed reading my work, please feel free to follow me on Medium as well as check out my other work.

*I take note that everyone is on a different life trajectory. We vary in abilities, interests, circumstances, etc. Therefore, there is a certain level of sensitivity needed to ensure that a narrative of “toxic positivity” goes unfulfilled. These steps are to provide methods which one might use within their capabilities to best improve their life satisfaction and feeling of joy. Additionally, I must note that I am not a medical or mental health professional and suggest that you seek appropriate resources if needed.