🎨 (Re)discover the Little Child in You: How to be More Carefree and Just Simply Have Fun!

At a Glance:

• International Children's Day
• My ways of being a kid again
• June challenge for you - are you ready?

Often, we get so caught up in our adult responsibilities that we forget the simple joys of being carefree. Do you ever find yourself saying, "I wish I could feel that childlike joy again"?

Kids are always trying new things and aren't scared of failing. They embrace curiosity and playfulness, diving into activities with enthusiasm and without fear. As adults, we can learn a lot from this fearless approach to life.

As it’s International Children's Day today, this newsletter fits perfectly! It’s a celebration of the innocence and happiness of childhood. This got me thinking about how we, as adults, can reconnect with that carefree spirit.

Why? Because we keep forgetting about it and I want you to remember that you still have a little kid inside you, at least from time to time. 😉

My Story

I love reconnecting with the playful side of myself as this brings more joy into my life. Reflecting on my childhood, I remembered how much I loved doing puzzles, playing with LEGO, board games, and having fun at the beach.

So, I make sure to do all of those regularly.

A couple of years ago, after a long break, I started doing puzzles again. Puzzles were one of my favorite childhood activities. They bring a sense of accomplishment and relaxation. Now, when I’m in my hometown, I often spend some time working on puzzles. This activity helps me unwind and feel a sense of achievement.

My second (or maybe even first) favorite is LEGO. Building structures and creating stories with those tiny bricks always brought me joy. (Maybe a bit selfishly) I love getting LEGO for my niece so that I can build with her. 😊 I’m also a huge fan of current LEGO collections like Creator, Architecture, Ideas, or some limited editions. I could really spend hours and tons of money in a LEGO store. That’s why I try to stay away from it. But overall, it's a great way to tap into my creativity and enjoy some playful moments.

One thing I try to do regularly in the summer is visit the beach. I have wonderful memories of playing there and spending all summer with my family and friends, building sandcastles, and splashing in the waves. Whether I'm alone or with loved ones, the beach always brings back that carefree feeling. I take time to walk on the sand, collect shells, and simply enjoy the sound of the waves.

To embrace more playful activities, I’m often a playmate for my almost 10-year-old niece. We do things like drawing with sidewalk chalk, playing games, and going to the playground (I’m glad I still fit on most of the slides). These activities help me reconnect with the joy of being a child and provide a great way to bond with her.

Finally, I made it a rule to find reasons to laugh every day. Children are experts at laughing and letting go of worries. Whether it's watching a funny video, reading a comic strip, or just being silly with friends, laughter is a powerful tool for reducing stress and bringing joy into our lives. So, I try to maximize it. 🙂

Your Turn

I challenge you to do 5 activities over the next month of June that will make you feel like a child again.

Step 1: Make a list of your favorite things you used to do as a child with your siblings or friends.

Step 2: Pick 5 of them that you miss the most.

Step 3: Order them from 1 to 5, where 1 is the top one and 5 is still great but the least great from your list.

Step 4: Plan to execute them, starting from item 5 and finishing on item 1. Make that order to have an increasing level of fun and motivation to continue (vs. starting from your favorite one or the most exciting one).

Step 5: Execute over the 5 weekends of June. Remember, to do this, you have to start today and make the first thing happen ‘now’. Then continue each weekend. 🙂

And don’t forget to take a photo while doing each thing! Keep it as a reminder to do the same challenge next year.

Don’t have ideas? Can’t remember your fun things from childhood?

Here are some fun activities that might be your inspiration:

• Listen to Your Favorite Songs from Childhood: Create a playlist of songs you loved as a kid and dance like no one's watching.
• Watch Old Photos and Videos: Spend time looking through old photos and videos from your childhood. Relive those happy memories.
• Revisit Your Old Toys: If you have any of your old toys, take them out and play with them. Feel the nostalgia and joy they bring.
• Build a Fort with Blankets and Pillows: Create a cozy space where you can relax, read, or just enjoy some quiet time.
• Have a Pajama Party with Friends: Invite friends over for a night of fun in your pajamas, complete with snacks, movies, and games.
• Watch Your Favorite Childhood Movies: Have a movie night and watch the films that made you laugh and dream as a kid.
• Play a Board Game: Gather your family or friends and play a board game you enjoyed as a child.
• Draw or Color in a Coloring Book: Spend some time drawing or coloring, just like you did when you were a kid.
• Blow Bubbles: Get a bubble blower and spend some time outside creating and popping bubbles.
• Have a Water Balloon Fight: On a warm day, have a water balloon fight with friends or family.
• Go to a Playground and Swing on the Swings: Feel the thrill of swinging high into the sky.
• Visit an Amusement Park or Fair: Enjoy the rides, games, and treats that bring out the kid in you.
• Have a Picnic in the Park: Pack some of your favorite childhood snacks and have a picnic in the park.
• Fly a Kite: Find a windy day and fly a kite, feeling the excitement as it soars high.
• Play Hide and Seek: Gather some friends and play this classic game.
• Have a Dance Party in Your Living Room: Turn up the music and dance around your living room.
• Make Homemade Ice Cream or Popsicles: Enjoy the process of making and eating your own frozen treats.
• Play Tag or Another Outdoor Game: Spend some time running around and playing outside games.
• Visit a Zoo or Aquarium: Spend the day looking at the animals and learning about them.
• Make a Scrapbook of Your Favorite Childhood Memories: Collect photos, tickets, and other memorabilia from your childhood and put them together in a scrapbook.

Closing Remarks

Rediscovering your inner child can transform your daily life and make you feel more carefree and joyful. Try incorporating some of these playful activities into your routine and see how they positively impact your mood and overall well-being. Remember, embracing your inner child is a journey made up of small steps and moments.

Start today, and let the joy and playfulness fill your life.

Just simply HAVE FUN!