With everything that’s going on in my life right now, it’s been a challenge to stop myself and just focus on the task at hand. Or just stop really. I thought I would pull this post out from the archives and give myself a little reminder to act like a kid every now and then. If you need me, I’ll be having a dance party in my living room.
When Life Gets Overwhelming, Act Like a Kid
This post was originally published on MAY 25, 2011
I’m not one that relaxes easily. I always have a ton of things going on in my life, and I have always been like that. I thrive in a certain amount of chaos. I think I get bored too easily.
Every now and then I have to stop and remind myself not to take life so seriously. Or to just slow down.
Luckily my kids are constant reminders of how incredibly wonderful and exciting life can be, even when things aren’t going your way.
Next time life seems to be overwhelming, try doing the following:
- Throw your arms up in the air and yell “wheeeeeeee” while going down a hill in the car.
- Run around in circles until you fall. Get up and try to walk. Repeat over and over.
- Play peek-a-boo with a perfect stranger.
- Say “I don’t waaaaannnnna” when you don’t agree with someone.
- Respond to every question or statement with the question “Why?”
- Pick dandelions and act like they are the most beautiful flowers in the world.
- Walk around on all fours and tell everyone you are a dinosaur. (Alternately, throw on an old bridesmaid dress and tiara and tell everyone you are a princess.)
- Fall on the floor in a dramatic fashion to show your utter disgust with a situation.
- Pull a chair across the room, stand on it and watch a fish for ten minutes without moving.
- Play with your food.
- Plan your day around a nap.
- Request cookies for breakfast.
- Put your jacket on upside down and show everyone.
- Loudly declare things like “That man is wearing a green shirt!” as you walk down the street.
- Have an impromptu phone conversation on a banana.
- Make up your own language.
- Dance and sing whenever and wherever you are. Loudly.
- Jump in puddles. No. Wade in them.
- Ride the dog.
Life gets overwhelming sometimes. But life’s too short not to live like a kid again every now and then.
Take a few cues from children around you. They know how to appreciate life.
Photo Credit: Dreamstime
I have had my days lately too and love your little reminder here and think we could all use this advice from time to time (at least I know I could!). Thanks for sharing Jennifer and totally thinking of you today 🙂
Thanks, Janine. 🙂
Love this Jennifer. This made me laugh out loud. I don’t waaaaaaaannnnnnnaaaaa be an adult today!
I never want to be an adult! Whyyyyyyyyyy?
I’ll be right over, Jennifer. Save a place for me.
P.S. That’s why we like each other. I am a 55 year old kid! 🙂
You know you are always welcome over here, Cathy!
I am DEFINITELY having cookies for dinner and I really am not kidding. Maybe breakfast and lunch too.
I’d love to do the princess/tiara one! Maybe I’ll let Scarlet do that.
I’m definitely about to yell, “But I don’t wanna!”
I’m so going to grab a cookie now. I’m behind on responding to comments and reading blogs, so I think I deserve one!
Love this Jennifer! I will follow your words today!!!!
Thanks, Nicole! Life’s too short not to act like a kid every now and then.
YES!! Thank you, Jennifer! We all need to remember to put our adult worries on the backburner, even if just for a few minutes, and to enjoy life as only children do. Definitely planning a dance party with my girls tonight!
Dance parties make everything better. I am sure of it.
Oh, I really needed this right now! I’m terrible at relaxing and have way too much going on. Eve definitely reminds me to slow down and take a break, in her baby way. I think I’m going to give myself a little dance party.
G used to fall asleep when I blasted music and dance with him in my arms. He needed the loudness and movement, and it was the only way I could keep my sanity!
Love these! I’ve taken to singing “If you’re happy and you know it…” quite regularly these days. Can’t say it doesn’t make me feel better!
The power of song is contagious, isn’t it?!
The perfect post for you… me …us ALL. Good for YOU for digging this one up- it was exactly what we all needed to read!!
Yes.
disclaimer?
In the event that you ARE the driver of the said car going down the hill, don’t raise your hands! You can however SQUEAL to your delight.
😉
I will keep that in mind for next time, Chris!
Love this! I think what I love most about kid behaviour is the not dwelling. No matter what the drama is, five minutes later it is forgotten. bliss.
I know, right? I wish I could still let things roll off my back like that.
Oh how I would love to plan my day around a nap!
Me too, Michelle! That would be amazing.
What a beautiful reminder to brighten up a lousy day!! Nothing that a good nap and playing with kids can’t cure.
I agree, Priya!