Peter Pan Challenge

Things That went Right Today:

1) Toastmasters speech on gratitude went well last night. Thanks to my toastmasters friends for your tremendous support!
2) 18 year old son hiking the Grand Canyon today! Have fun Ryan!
3) Mom sent me some inspirational books. Can't wait to read them.

Remember the story of Peter Pan, the charming boy who never grew up? Wendy initially wants to fly to Neverland with him and remain a child, but by the end of the story decides that it's better to go home and grow up after all. I am inclined to agree with Wendy on this one. Getting older brings with it many opportunities and freedoms. Knowledge and experience. I had to grow up to become a mother. If you stay a child you miss out on romance, education and independence. Perspective comes with age. Wisdom too. I'm not afraid of aging, and hope to keep learning and "growing up" for the rest of my life.

That being said though, I think it is important even as adults to hang onto our childhood sense of magic. The ability to play and laugh with abandon, and to find wonder in the simplest of things. To stop now and then and view the world through unhurried, innocent eyes. To "let go" and return to our center - the inner place the drives our true personalities. The real "ME" state that we often hide from others, and sadly even from ourselves.

How do we do that? Well...by doing the things we did as children. Before the world convinced us they were uncool, or just for kids, or undignified. Without embarrassment or apology. Come on - admit it. There are things you LOVE to do, but avoid because someone else might think you're dumb if you do them. Even when alone, we are often ruled more by the "shoulds" society places on our shoulders, rather than by our honest heart's desires. So here is my Peter Pan challenge for you today...find a way to connect to your inner child. Play a little. Act like a dork. Seriously! :-)

When's the last time you:

- Caught a firefly
- Ate a snow cone
- Rode on a carousel
- Danced and sang along with songs on the radio - with flourish! No holding back now.
- Colored in a coloring book
- Climbed a tree
- Made a snow angel
- Twirled around until you were dizzy
- Rolled down a hill
- Played dress up
- Jumped in a puddle
-You get the idea...just think back on what you used to love to do. Then go ahead and be a great big kid for a bit. It feels really good sometimes.

I am thankful today for my children for providing me ample excuses to act silly!!! So I'll always remain young at heart - no matter how grown up I get.