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When Life Gets Overwhelming

jennifer · April 29, 2014 · 24 Comments

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

How will you act like a kid today?

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Divorce, Just for Fun, Life, Parenting act like a kid, life, mental health, overwhelming, stress

Comments

  1. Janine Huldie says

    April 29, 2014 at 7:00 am

    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 🙂

    Reply
    • anotherjennifer says

      May 3, 2014 at 9:22 pm

      Thanks, Janine. 🙂

      Reply
  2. Alexa says

    April 29, 2014 at 7:05 am

    Love this Jennifer. This made me laugh out loud. I don’t waaaaaaaannnnnnnaaaaa be an adult today!

    Reply
    • anotherjennifer says

      May 3, 2014 at 9:22 pm

      I never want to be an adult! Whyyyyyyyyyy?

      Reply
  3. Cathy Chester says

    April 29, 2014 at 7:10 am

    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! 🙂

    Reply
    • anotherjennifer says

      May 3, 2014 at 9:23 pm

      You know you are always welcome over here, Cathy!

      Reply
  4. Tamara says

    April 29, 2014 at 7:41 am

    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!”

    Reply
    • anotherjennifer says

      May 3, 2014 at 9:25 pm

      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!

      Reply
  5. Nicole Melancon says

    April 29, 2014 at 8:39 am

    Love this Jennifer! I will follow your words today!!!!

    Reply
    • anotherjennifer says

      May 3, 2014 at 9:26 pm

      Thanks, Nicole! Life’s too short not to act like a kid every now and then.

      Reply
  6. Nicole @ Work in Sweats Mama says

    April 29, 2014 at 10:50 am

    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!

    Reply
    • anotherjennifer says

      May 3, 2014 at 9:26 pm

      Dance parties make everything better. I am sure of it.

      Reply
  7. Bev says

    April 29, 2014 at 11:11 am

    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.

    Reply
    • anotherjennifer says

      May 3, 2014 at 9:28 pm

      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!

      Reply
  8. Katie @ Pick Any Two says

    April 29, 2014 at 11:37 am

    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!

    Reply
    • anotherjennifer says

      May 3, 2014 at 9:29 pm

      The power of song is contagious, isn’t it?!

      Reply
  9. Chris Carter says

    April 29, 2014 at 3:01 pm

    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.
    😉

    Reply
    • anotherjennifer says

      May 3, 2014 at 9:30 pm

      I will keep that in mind for next time, Chris!

      Reply
  10. Joanna Hennon says

    April 29, 2014 at 3:44 pm

    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.

    Reply
    • anotherjennifer says

      May 3, 2014 at 9:30 pm

      I know, right? I wish I could still let things roll off my back like that.

      Reply
  11. Michelle @ A Dish of Daily Life says

    April 30, 2014 at 1:33 am

    Oh how I would love to plan my day around a nap!

    Reply
    • anotherjennifer says

      May 3, 2014 at 9:31 pm

      Me too, Michelle! That would be amazing.

      Reply
  12. Priya says

    May 6, 2014 at 11:19 pm

    What a beautiful reminder to brighten up a lousy day!! Nothing that a good nap and playing with kids can’t cure.

    Reply
    • anotherjennifer says

      May 8, 2014 at 1:47 pm

      I agree, Priya!

      Reply

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