Before I jump into today’s prompt I want to set the stage a bit. Do you have children in your life? Your own? A siblings kids? Students? Take a moment and reflect on how they might see the world.

Now…

What does it mean to be a kid at heart?

Consider the perspectives of children. The way they see the world around them, how it makes them feel to learn and experience new things on their own or with friends. As we get older those feelings get smaller, maybe not totally forgotten, but they exist in an ever growing sea of emotions and memories, and they become more difficult to tap into again. That sense of wonder and amazement? Sure, we can still get that through books and movies, but it isn’t totally the same. That carefree nature and desire to have fun? Oftentimes replaced by understanding and expectations of the world. Replaced by the obligations of growing up and becoming an adult (whatever that means anymore.)

To get back to that way of living is nearly impossible for most people, but it can be done.

For myself, it all boils down to letting go of the fear and anxiety caused by the idea that I could be judged or tarnish my image for doing something I find fun that others might find embarrassing. Are you like me and you’re comfortable singing along in the car but you would never be caught doing it in public? It’s kind of like that.

Take a moment and think that over. What would it mean to you to do something fun that others might find embarrassing? Maybe it’s like popping in your earbuds, jamming to music and dancing a little bit as you exit the elevator at work?

Let go of the fear of embarrassment. Dance, skip, sing, talk passionately about the things you like, just do SOMETHING that might lead back down that path of feeling carefree and young at heart. And then when you get there chase that sense of excitement, of wonder and amazement. Have fun without being judged.

Of course, do it responsibly. Don’t go dancing on top of a cop car, or something equally wild.