Timeless joy of our inner child

Strolling down the lane with my friends, engaged in lively chatter spanning all subjects under the sky—after all, isn't that what friends are for? Our journey led us to a small puddle that instantly brightened my face. Without hesitation, I hopped towards it, creating a splash that inadvertently wet the shoes of some of my friends. Their reactions were filled with disbelief, questioning my sanity at being so "old" yet engaging in such seemingly silly antics. "Stop behaving like a kid," they advised. But why should I? Why should any of us cease doing things that bring a smile to our souls?

Jumping into puddles or blowing on a cotton seed—these are the simple joys that once defined the happiness of our young and innocent selves. The gradual fading of this inherent innocence and kindness as we evolve into so-called mature adults is marked by experiences less comfortable—hatred, jealousy, greed, blame—that slowly layer upon the purity with which we are born. It's a transformation that is observable when comparing the harmonious play and communication between children of different languages versus the discomfort that can arise among adults who speak the same language, as the language of kindness and innocence transforms into barriers of differences.

Consider any school or college reunion—the charm lies in reminiscing about the good old days, filled with laughter, mischievous smirks, and giggles. Imagine if those days were devoid of spontaneity, with everyone adhering strictly to societal norms and age-appropriate behaviors—where would the sweet and naughty memories be? Laughter would be replaced by bubbles of silence. Revisiting these golden moments becomes a therapeutic escape from the stresses of adult life.

Preserving the inner child within us is crucial. It help us navigate life's hurdles more easily, fostering self-belief and infusing more life into our existence. Celebrate yourself—self-love and self-happiness are paramount. Trust and believe that you are important to yourself, and engage in activities that bring you joy. Watching cartoons or sporting a tee with a cartoon character knows no age barrier. To those who claim it's not age-appropriate, assert that you haven't aged. Age, after all, is merely a number for records and has no bearing on the soul.

Societal expectations have suppressed childlike behavior in adults, deeming it inappropriate. Break free from these expectations to live a fulfilling life. A poignant movie scene that resonates with me is from "Baby's Day Out," where the baby ends up in an old-age home towards the climax. The baby brings joy to the elderly residents through kindness and empathy, proving that these qualities can transcend age barriers. Rediscover and retain happiness as you age, and witness how your presence can create waves of happiness in the hearts of those around you.

In the grand tapestry of life, weave threads with what makes your soul happy, brings happiness to your heart and head, makes you smile how many ever times you do it creating ripples of joy to you and spreads ripples of joy around. It is the childlike spirit that breathes life into our existence making the journey not about growing older but about growing wiser while retaining the timeless essence of our youthful selves

By Swetha Ranjit