5 lessons to learn from your 5-year-old self | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Lifestyle

5 Lessons To Learn From Your 5-Year-Old Self

When adulthood gets too complicated, look to your inner kid for some simple guidance.

91
5 Lessons To Learn From Your 5-Year-Old Self

In This Article:

Do you ever wish you could go back to the good old days of kindergarten where the only things that mattered were who's mom packed the best snacks and which friend's house you were going to after school? Yeah, me too. Unfortunately, this article isn't about how to make a time machine so you can relive your childhood days, but luckily there are other ways to keep that childhood spirit alive in your life today. Here's a list of lessons from your 5-year-old self that are timeless:

1. People may be bigger than you, but that doesn't mean you don't have a voice.

leadlifewell.com

Even though 5-year-olds are very tiny people, they are very mighty. Have you ever been in a room with a 5-year-old who wasn't the center of attention? They're constantly asking questions: "What's that? What are you doing? What are you talking about? Can I join?" It can get pretty annoying when you're just trying to watch a show or get some work done and you've got a badgering kindergartner breathing down your neck, but persistence is a great quality to have. There are always going to be people in your life who are bigger than you, stronger than you, or smarter than you, but if you use your voice and keep pushing, you can make yourself heard among all the big people. And the best part is that since you're now a certifiable adult, people will actually listen to you.

2. Everyone is your best friend.

images.pexels.com

Remember those days on the playground when you'd meet another random 5-year-old, and for that one hour of play time, the two of you were best friends? Adults aren't so keen on making friends so quickly. We tend to keep our distance and remain within the safety of our own lives. I mean, what if the stranger sitting next to me on the bus is actually a serial killer? Or worse, what if they don't like Game of Thrones? I hate to burst your bubble, but most people are actually a lot nicer than they appear. They were once an overly friendly 5-year-old, too. Sometimes it's OK to let your guard down a little and be a friend to someone. Even if that just means holding the door open for the person behind you or giving up your seat on the bus, small acts of kindness can mean a great deal to people. And who knows? You might just make a new friend.

3. It's the little things that count.

pbs.twimg.com

When you're 5, the best things in the world come in small packages. The ice cream truck's in town? This is the best day ever! I found a penny on my way to school? I'm rich! My mom bought me a candy at the grocery store? Life is amazing! We tend to get caught up in the "big picture" stuff as adults, and that can be exhausting, so take some notes from your 5-year-old self and appreciate all the little things that make life fun and enjoyable. My favorite song came on the radio on my way to work? What a great way to start the day! They had chocolate cake in the dining hall? Don't mind if I do! It's Wednesday? I'm making some popcorn because American Horror Story is on! There's something good in every day, you've just got to find it.

4. Being excited is awesome.

mumsgrapevine.com.au

5-year-olds get excited about everything. Lining up for lunch was always a race to see who could be line leader. Show and tell was a public event that let you show the whole class that, yes, you have the complete deck of Webkinz trading cards and that's something to be proud of. Going to the grocery store with your mom meant that you'd get to drive by the farm and see the horses which were just so pretty. When you're 5, everything is exciting because it's all so new. The world is your playground to explore. But for whatever reason, after the age of 5, we spend most of our childhood being told to sit down, be quiet, and behave. This is a huge mistake. We shouldn't quiet our inner 5-year-old, because if there's one thing we know about 5-year-olds, it's that they don't shut up. Don't be ashamed of that excited little voice inside you. Let it out and let it shine because it's good to be excited.

5. Imagination is a powerful tool.

images.pexels.com

When I was a kid, our family had a fake Christmas tree. The tree came in this ginormous box that could fit me, my brother, and my sister with room to spare. Looking at it today, I would just tell you that that box was just that -- a box. But to little 5-year-old me, that box was a fully-automated spaceship complete with laser beams, leather seats, and cup holders. My siblings and I took sharpies and drew control panels and rocket launchers on the box and spent hours flying through space making machines noises as we pushed our cardboard spaceship around our living room. You won't find me playing pretend with any boxes today, but the ability to see things differently from how they appear is truly a powerful skill. Rationality is considered a key part in growing up, but imagination isn't negative. Use your creative and slightly naive inner 5-year-old to reimagine what's possible.

Growing up is just a part of life, and there are all sorts of benefits to maturing and reaching adulthood, but don't let the weight of adulthood keep you from enjoying life. Remember that inner 5-year-old that's still there deep down inside you. They may be just a kid, but they've shaped you into who you are today, and that's a pretty big accomplishment.

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

A Few Thoughts Every College Freshman Has

The transition into adulthood is never easy

18967
Mays Island
Courtney Jones

Today I started my third week of college at Minnesota State Moorhead. I have survived welcome week, finding my classes on the first day, and being an awkward loner in the dining hall. Even though I have yet to be here for a month, I have already experienced many thoughts and problems that only a new college student can relate to.

Keep Reading...Show less
Students walking on a sunny college campus with trees and buildings.

"Make sure to get involved when you're in college!"

We've all heard some variation of this phrase, whether it came from parents, other family members, friends, RAs, or college-related articles. And, like many clichés, it's true for the most part. Getting involved during your college years can help you make friends, build your resume, and feel connected to your campus. However, these commitments can get stressful if you're dealing with personal issues, need to work, or aren't sure how to balance classes and everything else going on during the semester.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

9 Reasons Why Friends Are Essential In College

College without friends is like peanut butter without jelly.

8049
Bridgaline Liberati and friends
Bridgaline Liberati

In college, one of the essential things to have is friends. Yes, textbooks, a laptop, and other school supplies are important but friends are essential. Friends are that support system everybody needs. The more friends you have the better the support system you have. But you also have someone to share experiences with. And don’t settle for just one or two friends because 8 out of 10 times they are busy and you are studying all alone. Or they have other friend groups that do not include you. Don’t settle for just one or two friends; make as many friends as you can. After the first couple of weeks of college, most friend groups are set and you may be without friends.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

The Power of Dressing Up

Why it pays to leave the hoodie at home.

5879
sneakers and heels
Sister | Brother Style - Word Press

For a moment your world is spinning. The phone alarm has just scared you awake and you’re flooded by daunting thoughts of the day ahead. You have three assignments due and little time to work on them because of your job. You’re running late because you’ve hit snooze one to many times after yesterday’s long hours. You dizzily reach for a hoodie, craving its comfort, and rush for a speedy exit, praying you will have time to pick up coffee. Does this sound familiar?

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

11 Signs You Live At The Library As Told by 'Parks And Recreation'

A few signs that you may live in the library whether you'd like to admit it or not.

5092
brown wooden book shelves with books

Finals week is upon us. It is a magical time of year during which college students everywhere flock to the library in attempt to learn a semester's worth of knowledge in only a week. For some students, it's their first time in the library all semester, maybe ever. Others have slaved away many nights under the fluorescent lights, and are slightly annoyed to find their study space being invaded by amateurs. While these newbies wander aimlessly around the first floor, hopelessly trying to find a table, the OGs of the library are already on the third floor long tables deep into their studies. Here is a few signs that you may live in the library, whether you'd like to admit it or not.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments