Finding Joy Again

By Amanda

Joy is something that is at the core of a child’s being. Unlike adults, they wake up everyday thinking about what will make them happy. They don’t think about work or bills or petty annoyances. They think about having a good time, pure and simple.

This past weekend we went to the beach with several families who all have small children. My girls literally ran around for forty-eight hours with a gaggle of kids and constant, toothy grins. They didn’t play with toys - in fact, none of us brought any.  Instead, they swam, played tag, hide-and-go-seek and ate popsicles in the shade.  They ran, belly-laughing, falling to the ground, and climbing on one another. At the end of each day they were sunburned, salty, sweaty and ready to collapse. But even in their exhausted state, they managed to curl up in their sleeping bags with big smiles permanently fixed on their little red faces.

My daughters are now six and three and as I look at them, I wonder at what age we lose the joy? I’m sure it doesn’t happen all at once. It is more likely a slow process, a leeching of our positive karma into the adult world where responsibility and anxiety go hand-in-hand. I don’t mean to be a cynic, but I think once it’s gone it’s hard to get back, but maybe if we try we can get back little pieces of it.

I think we all need a day when we do nothing but run, laugh and get dirty. I’m not sure how to make it happen, but I know a certain 6-year-old and 3-year-old who would be happy to show me the way…

Amanda lives in North Carolina with her husband and two daughters.

Comments

[Natalie]

I hear you. I have thought about this myself many times. We could all use a little bit more of that childish exuberance for life.

[Janet]

I wish very hard all the time that my 2 and a half year old daughter doesn't lose that joy. If only we could keep them protected from 'real life' for just a little longer....Great post. Very well written.

[Darci McGrath]

I so agree with this - I have a 15 yo and a 12.5 yo and I see the joy being further and further apart. When they are on the soccer field, they are working with a dash of joy, when they are at school - they are working...with episodes of joy. I need them to have joy again. I think by modeling they will find it - So I am off to find my own joy and bring it home to them.