If you could spend 5 minutes with my 5 year old, I promise your life would be changed. Canyon (or Grand Canyon as we like to call him) guarantees that the next generation will be full of kind hearted, optimistic, out of the box thinking, world-changers. This kid literally looks at things differently than most adults I know (like he frequently flips upside down on the couch and hangs out there for awhile, taking in the living room view from a different perspective.) I think we’re all born with that enthusiasm, that passion for life, that desire to see things fresh and new… but somewhere along the way, we lose it. Or at least, we stuff it down deep and never let it surface again. It’s time to resurrect our inner child, our zest for life and our excitement for the little things. I want to be as genuinely happy as my 5 year old. I think it starts right here, with these 5 ways I want to be more like my 5 year old…
1. Show More Kindness
Canyon doesn’t know a stranger. He doesn’t label anyone uncool because of the way they look, dress or talk. A person’s age makes no difference to him. Canyon simply chooses to reach out and be kind. Canyon is kind to people, animals, heck even his toys are treated with kindness! Everyone is equal in Canyon’s 5 year old eyes. The kid never runs out of genuine compliments, hugs or smiles. The life lesson for us adults? Less judging, more kindness!
2. Be More Brave
For Canyon’s 5th birthday, he asked for one gift: a ladder. My mother-in-law obliged and now Canyon’s 6 foot step ladder literally lives in our living room. The kid will climb, jump, run or dance anywhere, anytime. He’s not afraid to be himself. He’s not afraid of anything or anyone. Simply stated, he’s just not afraid… not mentally, physically or emotionally. I think deep down, he knows he may fail at some attempts, but he’s willing to try anything. If he falls down, he’ll jump up and proclaim “I’m okay!” And then he’s on to the next adventure. When in life did we learn to become crippled by fear? Heck with that, I want to live my adult life wide open like Canyon!
3. Imagine More Vividly
When he was about 3, Canyon created this world in his mind called “Mackizonia.” He would tell me stories about how he watched a lion chase a giraffe and about the “falcon wizard” that flew through the sky. You guys, I believed him. I couldn’t help it! His stories and descriptions were so vivid that I could “see” everything he was telling me about, all these amazing things that he had crafted with his imagination. If we would let ourselves imagine like a child again, just think of the things we could create!
4. Be Genuinely Happy
Canyon lives in his brother’s hand-me-downs, but every time I pull out a tote of old clothes you’d think it was Christmas. “These new shoes are AWESOME,” Canyon will exclaim. “Thanks Mom!!!”
The child is happy and content with whatever he’s given. There’s a happiness deep down in his heart that is genuine. And it shows… in his eyes, his smile, his actions. I think it starts with gratitude, being happy with what we have, with where we are. There’s nothing wrong with wanting to move forward. I’m probably one of the most forward minded people you’ll ever meet, but to be genuinely happy and grateful and peaceful in the here and now… that makes moving forward to the next thing all the sweeter.
5. Let Authenticity Show
5 year old Canyon Mathews is ALWAYS living his best life. Whether he’s blowing bubbles or stomping mud puddles or protecting his “Princess Mommy” or drawing pictures of “Mackizonia” or talking to a sweet old lady in the grocery store, he’s doing it with authenticity. There will only ever be ONE Canyon Mathews in this world, and somehow that kiddo knows it. He knows he can (and should!) be authentic. So he shows up in the way that only he can, in the way that God created him. And it is GOOD! Every day, Canyon reminds me what a gift it is to be authentically me!
Oh, how the world would be a different place if we lived like a 5 year old in these 5 ways! We were created to live the good life, to shine light and to show love. (John 10:10) Life is short, dear friend. Reread the list above and consider cutting loose and releasing your inner child, even a little bit, even in a small way. It could completely change your life. As for me, I’m headed out to “hunt dinosaurs” with Canyon on this happy day!
What’s your Parenting Style? Are you the Fun & Spontaneous Parent, more Laid Back, a Protective Mama Bear or the Classically Strict Parent? Find out in 30 seconds and use it to bring out the best in your kids! Curious? Take the quiz HERE!
Family time around the dinner table can be hard to come by. When you do get those precious moments, engage in meaningful conversation with the Family Table Talk Guide. It’s a list of little conversation starters to share around the table with the people you love most!
