Children are observant creatures. They will point out a bird that flies overhead, or follow an ant that crawls on the sidewalk. Kids are also inquisitive. They ask why the sunsets are pink and orange and why the moon changes shape each night, so where did that curiosity go? As we grow up, that sense of “awe” about everything in the world starts to falter and fade. We’ve seen the moon every night of our lives, so we don’t take the time to look at it. We’ve seen flocks of birds flying overhead countless times, so we don’t look up anymore. Ants are crushed and sunsets just blind us and hurt our eyes.
I think something uniquely child-like that we need more of today is the amazement and wonder that is received from noticing the world and people around us. Using our senses to notice the sights, smells, sounds and feelings in the world is a lost art. Life really does get busy and we are so in our day-to-day that something like watching the clouds shift is not a top priority anymore. I think incorporating “noticing” into our everyday lives brings back some of that whimsicalness of childhood. There is so much wonder out in the world, so taking the time to set aside the stress and screens to observe the nature and people around you, asking questions and bringing back the sense of awe will make life much more enjoyable and interesting.
As children, everything feels new and exciting. We are experiencing everything for the first time, but we forget that as new adults, we are also experiencing a lot of things for the first time, too. It is okay to feel excited about something small, like seeing a butterfly. In fact– I would encourage it! There is so much that can bring you joy and awe if you simply open your eyes and observe what is around you.
A word often used to describe childhood is “magical.” Times were simpler and the possibilities of the world felt endless. However, I think that as you learn and experience more of the world, it can feel daunting, or even pointless to navigate. There are issues and problems that seem impossible to solve, and it can feel overwhelming. But, I promise you that noticing the small things makes a difference. Maybe it is seeing someone pick up an item you dropped or your friend asking how you are feeling after an exam. You can add magic, awe and whimsy back into your own life, but it is also still out in the world. There is so much around us that can spark joy and awe in nature, but also in the people around you. I encourage you to start noticing again. Start looking around and asking questions and bring back your sense of awe in the world.
