What Were You Taught to Fear?

May you remember these words in the moment you choose to restrain a child in their joy and appreciation for this life experience.

In the hustle and bustle of our adult lives, we often find ourselves entangled in the web of responsibilities and concerns. It's during these moments that we can take a valuable lesson from the unbridled joy and appreciation that children exhibit for the simple pleasures of life.

Picture this: a child, uninhibited by the weight of societal expectations, expressing uncontainable happiness and wonder. In those moments, we witness a purity that seems to fade as we grow older. So, may you remember these words in the moment you choose to restrain a child in their joy and appreciation for this life experience.

All fears are learned, a truth that becomes increasingly apparent as we navigate the complexities of adulthood. The wisdom of the little ones lies in their ability to approach life with unfiltered curiosity, unburdened by the shackles of learned fears. What if, instead of imposing our apprehensions onto them, we allowed ourselves to be guided by their fearless spirits?

In the eyes of a child, there is no room for worry about what others might think. They dance, they sing, and they express themselves without the fear of judgment. And, my friends, that is exactly how it should be. The freedom to be oneself is a gift that children bestow upon us, a reminder that conformity is not a prerequisite for happiness.

Living in the moment is an art perfected by the young. The present is their playground, and every experience is an opportunity for discovery. Perhaps, as adults, we could take a page from their book and learn to savor the now, instead of being consumed by the uncertainties of the future or haunted by the mistakes of the past.

There is a deep-rooted trust within the hearts of children—a belief that they will be taken care of. It's a sentiment we should nurture rather than hinder. They navigate life with the assurance that the world is benevolent, a perspective that fosters resilience and optimism.

Unless we teach them differently.

Reflect for a moment on the well-meaning, yet often fear-driven, lessons passed down by adults. How many times were you cautioned against taking risks, discouraged from pursuing your dreams, or made to believe that the world is a perilous place? These lessons, stemming from genuine concern, inadvertently shape our perception of the world.

Do you argue with the concept of allowing children the freedom to be fearless? What were you taught by well-meaning, fearful adults? It's time to reevaluate these learned fears and consider the profound wisdom that lies in the untarnished spirits of the little ones among us. May we all find the courage to embrace joy with the same unbridled enthusiasm as a child, for in doing so, we rediscover the essence of a life well-lived.

Gwen Peterson, Mentor of Insights and Illuminations