CHILDREN are universally accepted as naïve and innocent. Even the most rigid laws don't apply to them. Is it a coincidence that they're also the happiest of creatures? Are there lessons adults can learn from them?
I think there are many direct correlations between naivety, innocence and happiness. Many people may think that being naïve and innocent are signs of weakness; that the person isn't smart enough to manoeuvre life's often complex and treacherous paths.
This is a risky path to take. One wrong turn will lead to another. Before we know it, we're deep in trouble. For example, a person who lied once may need to create bigger lies to cover the earlier one. A person who breaks a rule may have to break more rules in order not to get caught. Does that sound like a happy path to take?
Let's look at our children. Oftentimes, they mean what they say. If we're being fair to them, chances are they'd readily admit to their mistakes without coming up with a thousand excuses. They take immense pleasure in everything that life has to offer. Their views on the world are candid, open and transparent. They say what they mean and mean what they say. They're happy.
Wouldn't it be great if we can recreate such childhood moments? The good news is we can! I don't mean we literally become children again, but we can awaken our inner child.
AWAKENING THE INNER CHILD
If we can reconnect with our inner child, we'll experience those wonderful feelings of genuine happiness again. We'd be able to simplify our lives as much as possible. We won't badmouth others, or be consumed by greed and envy. When presented with a situation, our views are likely to be positive, proactive and without prejudice. We'd truly believe that everyone's innocent until proven otherwise.
More importantly, our relationships with people around us will drastically improve. This is because we become fairer in our judgment and more understanding of other people's situation. We value others as who they are today, not of what they'll become tomorrow. Wouldn't it be wonderful if all parents can become like this?
As a bonus, those whose inner children are awoken will also enjoy more peace of mind. For example, they're happy because they know how to enjoy what they already have. They stop worrying about things that haven't happened.
They only see what's in front of them, not what's in other people's lives. The latest gadgets, handphones or car models don't pressure them into upgrading. They do so only when the real needs arise, not because they want to impress others.
When we don't carry any negative baggage, our journey can be an extremely happy one. Our children have proven it. Now it's time we learn from them. It's time to awaken our inner child and unleash unlimited happiness for years to come.
Zaid Mohamad coaches and trains others to bring out their best while enjoying a peaceful, purposeful life. Reach him at [email protected].
