Have you ever watched your kids and wondered how they can possibly get as much joy out of the most simplistic things in life as they do? Do you wish that you could achieve half the enthusiasm for everyday wonders that your kids can? In the 2007, bun-in-the-oven hit, Knocked Up, this childlike appreciation for bubbles was briefly explored:
Turn your volume up, sound quality kind of stinks.
It can be difficult to find the joy in the little things, when you have adult responsibilities constantly looming over your head. Bills, doctor appointments, aging family members, dishes, laundry…the list is endless. Stopping to smell the roses would just be one more thing to add to your to-do list.
A twitter friend posted the following video last week (thanks, Chad):
Turn down the volume…this guy is BURSTING with intensity.
Now, obviously, a lot of his zeal is drug-induced, but the message is the same. After I stopped repeatedly watching this video, and laughing harder every single time, I started to really think about it. This guy, with the help of some shrooms, no doubt, is loving the little things. He’s so completely, and intensely touched by the natural phenomenon, that he shared it with the world, at the risk of looking like a total moron. Which, let’s be honest, he does.
I’m not a believer in drugs. I’ve never tried them, and I never will. BUT…I don’t think that naturally finding that love for the simple things is unattainable as an adult. You just have to be open to it.
Nature builds-in repeated opportunities for parents (we’re the chosen ones, dontchaknow) through the everyday sharing of life’s little wonders with their children.
The next time you see a rainbow, make a point to stop what you’re doing and take your youngin’s out to enjoy it. Do the same with a starry, moonlit sky, a cloud that looks like a dragonfly, or the biggest flippin’ Big League Chew bubble you can muster. One of the greatest rewards of parenthood is the ability to capture your innocent, wonder-filled, rose-colored glasses again. Even if it’s for a few short, blissful moments.
Hug your child and embrace your youth. The world is full of bubbles and double rainbows if you’re smart enough to be watching out for them.
So happy to enjoy such a insightful article that does not depend on base posturing to get the topic fulfilled. Thank you for an enjoyable read.
1st off excellent blog. Im not sure if it has been addressed, but when using Firefox I can never get the entire post to load without refreshing several times. Could just be my connection. Appreciate your work
Hi there, I discovered this blog once, then lost it. Took me forever to come back and find it. I wanted to view what comments you got. Great blog by the way.
This post is s great reminder to enjoy the beautiful things around you EVERY DAY.
Lately, I’ve been reveling in summer thunderstorms…I love it when the sky is dark…and I can relax and just veg on my front porch with a beer listening to the sky.
I’m part of LBS too! Keep blogging!
Love this post! I learn something new everyday by watching my kids in awe over the simplicity of life.
And welcome to TMC!!! Glad you joined us!
Thank you so much. I’m excited to be a member! ~Jessi
So true…to be a kid again. So innocent, so free.
Kids are the best! It always tickles me when I see how much entertainment they get out of a weird rock or squirrel in a tree. ~Jessi
Hi Jessi! Justed wanted to say I like your blogs new look. I’m behind on my blog reading and what I have done has been via my phone so I have lost out on seeing your new look… until today! Looks great! Keep up the good work you flairilicious mama you!
Thanks, Lindsay! I actually just made the changes yesterday, so you didn’t miss anything. Thanks for letting me know you liked it. BTW…I changed my badge, so when you get a chance, can you update it on your blog, too? Thanks, mama! ~Jessi
Hearing my kids laugh is the sweetest sound in the world! And I’m with you on the double rainbow video…the guy is totally on something but the message is clear – he is enjoying something that can’t be bought and even though he made himself out to look like a total ass, he was still willing to share it with the world…I know I enjoyed watching it with both the sound on and off!
Right? I’m still laughing at that video. It’s become my latest guilty pleasure.
BTW…Anyone reading this comment has to check out this lady’s blog. TOO funny! Mama’s Flair Stamp of Approval…bigtime!
Thanks! ~Jessi
I think its so important to remember to look at the world through a child’s eyes!
Since I became a mom, my whole outlook on the world has changed. Everything is new and fresh again. Thanks for stopping by! ~Jessi
That guy is rainbow crazy! I watched that three times. I couldn’t stop laughing.
Taking photographs of my children fills me with glee like nothing else.
I’m visiting from the Tea Party.
Michelle
http://pietrosmomma.blogspot.com/
I love this post! I think it’s so much easier for kids to see the beauty and wonder of things because they are so much closer to who they really are. As adults we tend to loose sight of that and let ourselves fill up with mundane day to day things. Although they need to be done, it’s double important that we take a few minutes each day and bask in our life’s splendor….
Happy Lady Bloggers Tea Party!!
Thank you so much! I totally agree. Children bring a whole new light to the world in so many ways! Thanks for reading! ~Jessi
I’M RELEARNING THIS THROUGH MY WONDERFUL GRANDDAUGHTER, MISS KYA GRACE!
Grandparenthood is awesome, cuz just when your children grow out of the “everything is awesome” stage and become adults themselves, then they have children that you can enjoy the little things with, too. It’s the gift that keeps on giving. Thanks, Karen! ~Jessi
Great post – I love that scene from Knocked Up.
No matter what mood I’m in, I am instantly happy if I can make my son laugh. Usually this involves a silly face, a funny noise or a game of peek-a-boo. I never tire of his expression – it is pure joy.
Cheers,
Anne
There’s nothing better than a child who’s got a full-on belly-laugh going. It cracks me up every time. It’s one of those things that only a parent can truly understand and enjoy. Little gifts. Thanks, Anne! ~Jessi