How we lost our childhood spirit | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Nature Animals

5 Reasons We Unknowingly Lost Our Childhood Spirit And How To Find It Again

Have you ever seen a flock of sheep before?

441
5 Reasons We Unknowingly Lost Our Childhood Spirit And How To Find It Again

In This Article:

I was walking my dog the other day down a residential street, head down thinking about all of the sh*t I had to get done that day when all of a sudden I was interrupted. To my left was a sound so unmistakable I stopped walking for a moment. "TAG, YOU"RE IT!" After hearing this, a five year old's belly laugh followed. I truly couldn't help but laugh right back because it was so contagious. A swarm of chubby faced kids darted back and forth through the backyard, the bushes, the front yard, and down the street.

After this real life scene from the little rascals ended, I was nostalgic but also overwhelmed with a real feeling of sadness. My heart actually ached for myself because I realized that simple thrill and joy I once felt all the time as a kid had pretty much dissipated. Why? When? How? Unfortunately, not only have I experienced this phenomenon but almost every adult I've encountered has, too. It's hard to pinpoint when exactly we lose our childish glow, and believe me I don't think it's as clear and simple as I'm about to make it seem, but I have chalked it up to a few significant events or things we encounter as we age.

1. The word “can’t”

media.giphy.com

This word is diminishing to everyone; however, it is pure poison to kids. When we're little we're told we can be anything and then the dialogue shifts. Instead of being anything we have to think anything within our limits. I'm sorry, but that's pure crap. Limits are set by people and society, and when we follow those incessantly we believe in that toxic word.

So, now that we've gone from telling kids they can be the president or an astronaut to telling them they can study space or politics as long as they can get a guaranteed job out of it, we have officially set their limits before they can test them out on their own. Be like Eddie Morra in the movie, Limitless. The difference is you don't need some pill like Bradley Cooper did, just a new perspective.

2. Routine

Giphy

Now that we've exhausted the hopes and dreams of our youth it's time to set them in their ways. Structure is necessary; although, structure is meant to be rearranged, torn down, and rebuilt. When we're children we are encouraged to try new experiences and make ourselves a little more uncomfortable: have a playdate with the new kid, try karate, take an art class, create a new game at recess, or join a soccer team.

It was acceptable not to land anywhere or stick with one thing. As we mature we get too comfortable with the things we like and what we're familiar with. The next thing you know you're seventeen and you just spent the last ten years playing a sport you don't even like because you were too scared to break out of your routine. Don't kill your spirit; break your routine.

3. Becoming a sheep

media.giphy.com

Have you ever seen a flock of sheep before? No? Well, they're a peculiar species that follow whatever they're told, and they have no real say in where they go or what they do. What's even more fascinating is that they don't seem bothered by this. Sound familiar? That's because it is. We all follow whatever seems to be popular. We all do whatever seems to be normal and acceptable.

Children are their own shepherds. They do what they want and they usually stand out amongst a crown. Yes, children are physically smaller and maybe that's why you notice them, but their personalities are generally much larger than most of the adults in the room, and they draw and lead the attention. When we grow up it becomes easier to follow the crowd and lose control of our own herd. We start to follow someone else because everyone else is, we join a certain group because everyone else did, and we say things because everyone says those things too.

There aren't enough shepherds in the adult world. Now, I'm not saying we don't need sheep because without sheep, there would be no shepherds. The problem is that no one is willing to put in the effort to try. My mom would always ask me, "Who is in charge of Julia?" I initially replied, "I don't know, you?" Wrong. My mom reminded me that I am in charge of myself and nobody else has that power. Don't be a sheep; lead yourself.

4. Negative perspective

Kids don't lie. One of the reasons I love children so much is because they are so blunt. So, why is the act of being straightforward frowned upon as adults? My own theory is that as children we have no real malice towards anyone or anything. Their honesty is innocent. However, as adults we immediately jump to the conclusion that people's honesty stems from acrimony.

When did this perspective change? Because of the word can't, our routines, and our timid ways of following things we don't really believe in, our perspective on the world has shifted to a negative outlook. Try to get in the mindset of a child and open your arms and your heart to the world as it once did for you.

5. The imagination resurrection

media.giphy.com

I mean Jesus Christ, could this article get anymore depressing? I am glad to say that there is hope. We tend to forget that youth is more than just the physical being or your age. Youth is a mindset and we all choose whether or not we believe it or not. I'd like to think I have some juvenility within me. I like to laugh, I have an imagination, and I try my best to make my life fun and flourishing. Do I practice this all the time? Absolutely not. However, our imagination is what saves us.

Our far-fetched ideas and fantastical dreams that we were told we can't achieve are actually in reach. If you have the imagination that you once had as a kid anything is truly possible…and not just the things within our limit. Remember that fort you built as a kid? What if it actually was a restaurant? Resurrect your imagination because we all have the ability to be a kid again.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Entertainment

15 Times Michael Scott's Life Was Worse Than Your Life

Because have you ever had to endure grilling your foot on a George Foreman?

2093
Michael Scott
NBC

Most of the time, the world's (self-proclaimed) greatest boss is just that, the greatest. I mean, come on, he's Michael Freakin' Scott after all! But every once in a while, his life hits a bit of a speed bump. (or he actually hits Meredith...) So if you personally are struggling through a hard time, you know what they say: misery loves company! Here are 15 times Michael Scott's life was worse than your life:

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

12 Midnight NYE: Fun Ideas!

This isn't just for the single Pringles out there either, folks

16747
Friends celebrating the New Years!
StableDiffusion

When the clock strikes twelve midnight on New Year's Eve, do you ever find yourself lost regarding what to do during that big moment? It's a very important moment. It is the first moment of the New Year, doesn't it seem like you should be doing something grand, something meaningful, something spontaneous? Sure, many decide to spend the moment on the lips of another, but what good is that? Take a look at these other suggestions on how to ring in the New Year that are much more spectacular and exciting than a simple little kiss.

Keep Reading...Show less
piano
Digital Trends

I am very serious about the Christmas season. It's one of my favorite things, and I love it all from gift-giving to baking to the decorations, but I especially love Christmas music. Here are 11 songs you should consider adding to your Christmas playlists.

Keep Reading...Show less
campus
CampusExplorer

New year, new semester, not the same old thing. This semester will be a semester to redeem all the mistakes made in the previous five months.

1. I will wake up (sorta) on time for class.

Let's face it, last semester you woke up with enough time to brush your teeth and get to class and even then you were about 10 minutes late and rollin' in with some pretty unfortunate bed head. This semester we will set our alarms, wake up with time to get ready, and get to class on time!

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

The 5 Painfully True Stages Of Camping Out At The Library

For those long nights that turn into mornings when the struggle is real.

3568
woman reading a book while sitting on black leather 3-seat couch
Photo by Seven Shooter on Unsplash

And so it begins.

1. Walk in motivated and ready to rock

Camping out at the library is not for the faint of heart. You need to go in as a warrior. You usually have brought supplies (laptop, chargers, and textbooks) and sustenance (water, snacks, and blanket/sweatpants) since the battle will be for an undetermined length of time. Perhaps it is one assignment or perhaps it's four. You are motivated and prepared; you don’t doubt the assignment(s) will take time, but you know it couldn’t be that long.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments