You Live, You Learn (Out of the Mouths of Babes)

It’s almost time for me to update my LaVerdad (The You Live, You Learn Chronicles) from a few months ago. Today, as I worked with some very special 2nd and 3rd graders, I realized that they might have more wisdom than I do! Last year, when I was on my road to mental/spiritual recovery – I made a pact with myself to consciously become more like a child.

I mean, it’s wonderful getting older, feeling wise and all of that – but there’s nothing like the sense of freedom that comes with blind faith. The ability to believe in Santa Claus, the Easter Bunny, unicorns and pots of gold at the end of a rainbow – the courage to live honestly without fear of the unknown. WHAT A BLESSING WE’RE GIVEN AT BIRTH! I asked God to put that bliss back into my spirit – and he answered by putting me in a position to watch children in action.

Here’s what I’ve learned so far:

1. It’s OK to talk too much or sometimes not at all.
2. Don’t be afraid to mess up your hair or get musty – as long as you’re having fun.
3. Tattletale’s smell.
4. If a boy likes you, smile and peek at him out of the corner of your eye. He’ll blush and run… or share his chips.
5. You don’t have to share YOUR snacks if you don’t want to.
6. But it’s always nice when  you do.
7. Sometimes, you just gotta wiggle.
8. Laugh! Laugh some more! And laugh again.
9. Mama knows….
10. Hugs make everything better.
11. So does Capri Sun.
12. It’s possible to create a game or have fun anywhere.
13. Trust that people want to help you, if you just ask.
14. It’s OK to be curious.
15. But remember it killed the cat.
16. It feels good to yell out how you feel: “I HURT!” “YOU SUCK!” “YAY!!” “LET’S GO!” Own your feelings.
17. It’s not OK to hit people though.
18. It’s OK to pout when you’re jealous, embarrassed or insecure.
19. It’s not OK to stay that way.
20. Magic works.
21. But only if you squeeze your eyes shut really tight and BELIEVE.
22. Spinning until you’re dizzy gives you LIFE!!
23. Spinning when an authority figure tells you to stop will get you put in time out.
24. Time-out isn’t always a bad thing.
25. Life goes on when you’re not there, but you can always hop right back in.
26. If you’re happy and you know it and you really want to show it, clap your hands!!
27. The best part about being a kid, is …well….getting to be a kid.