Keep the child within you alive even as you grow up
“In every real man a child is hidden that wants to play,” says Friedrich Nietzsche. Wisdom, prudence and experience keep a hold on this child, threatening her from coming out lest it exposes her frailties.
As we grow we tend to pay too much attention to advice and etiquette and stop taking pleasure in the little things life has to offer. Childhood is lost in a maze of time management and goals pushing us into the rat race.
Like others, we are keen to overtake our peers and reach the proverbial golden pot at the end of the rainbow.
To keep this child alive we need to liberate ourselves from any form of control, shackles of criticism and opinions. We are forever worried about what others will think.
It is important to keep the spark alive in you by doing what you want to, without worrying about what people say because those who matter don’t mind and those who mind don’ t matter.
To keep this child alive, it is necessary to be with people who let us be and appreciate us for who we are.
Sometimes when you let this child break free and revel by indulging in innocent fun it leaves you completely rejuvenated, it clears the clutter of prejudice and bias from your mind and makes you see the world from a whole new perspective.
Joan Chittister sums it up beautifully when she says, “There is only one way to get superb parenting of the child within you. Only one person will or can love and nurture that child to the point of peace and joy. Only one person can be the good mother, father, brother, sister. You are your best parent and friend. Accept, love and care for the child within you.”
(Inner Voice comprises contributions from our readers. The views expressed are personal.)