Learning Life From Kids

There are just so many life lessons we can learn from our children. It is as if we knew how to be happy from birth and then forgot it all. This is the age old question; "Are addicts born as addicts or is this an acquired disease?"

Lesson #1 - Happiness

A child can laugh at anything or nothing

Have you ever watched a child laugh. It is one of those laughs from deep down within. It is true joy. True happiness. Nothing can hold them back from expressing their true happiness. Regardless of what is happening around them or what people think, a happy child will laugh. Allowing ourselves to be happy and joyful is very difficult for an addict that is beating themselves up for perceived wrongdoing or shame. The quest for this feeling of happiness is what life is all about. Getting back to the beginning when we were children and truly happy should be our goal.

Lesson #2 - Honesty

A child can be brutally honest

Children do not consider the implications of saying what is on their mind. They are brutally honest and call it like they see it. No hidden motivations, manipulations or filters. Being honest with ourselves and others is the easiest path to a happy and fulfilled life.

Lesson #3 - Intuition

A child trusts their feelings

Have you ever been around a child that is typically outgoing and social but for some reason they are playing shy with someone? Children (and animals) seem to pick up on vibes from people and regardless of what others think they will trust their feelings and act on those feelings. Given evidence contrary to their initial feelings they will adapt sometimes and come around but they will always trust their feelings or intuition. We all need to trust our gut feelings. Our gut is typically right.

Lesson #4 - Connectivity

Things that I do affect others

Children quickly pick up on the mood and feelings of the people around them. Whether they mimic the actions or simply take note of mood, children are a great reminder that everything that I do can and will affect others in some way. As such it is important to always act your best and in such a way that is beneficial for your child. We are all connected so act with kindness and empathy always.

Lesson #5 - Love

Children understand unconditional love

A child's love for their parent or their pet is a perfect example of unconditional and true love. If you ever want to know how to love again, just watch a child interact with their parent or pet. The gift of unconditional love, whether giving or receiving, is the greatest gift ever.

Lesson #6 - Acceptance

Things are simply as they are

Children are very accepting of their environment and things that are out of their control. They may ask questions however if they cannot do anything about it they are able to simply move on. Children do not get caught up trying to change something out of their control. Serenity comes from within and the ability to accept the things we cannot change.

Lesson #7 - Vulnerability

Children do not focus on their vulnerabilities

Children are very vulnerable and susceptible to both physical and emotional harm. Despite this they do not let it impact their daily life or their actions. Some children are actually quite fearless. Children are able to enjoy life without concerning themselves with fear of their actions. It is important that we all be ourselves and do what we enjoy regardless of what others think or say we can accomplish.

Lesson #8 - Resilience

Children can easily move on

Children are able to move on quickly. They allow themselves to be present with any given emotion but when they are ready they simply let go and move on. They do not get caught up in and remain stuck in that feeling. Being able to let go and move on is one of the hardest things to do however is likely one of the most important.

Lesson #9 - Trust

Children believe what they are told

Children believe what they see and hear as fact. Children do not try and read into what they are told and try to disseminate it for ulterior motives or manipulation. Facts are simply facts. We will all be betrayed eventually and trust will be broken however that does not mean that we should not trust again. It is important that you are able to trust as every real relationship is built on that foundation.

Lesson #10 - Empathy

Children care about other's feelings

Regardless of whether it is parent or a homeless person that they do not know, a child is truly concerned when they see pain or depression. Children have an innate desire to take away the pain and comfort anyone (or animal) that is hurt (emotionally or physically). Caring about others regardless of who they are is important. You cannot understand what is going on with a person unless you have walked in there shoes so do not judge simply be nice and care.

Lesson #11 - Listening

Children actually care about what they are told

Children actually listen when they are being told something. They are present and focused on what is being said to them. They are not off in another world simply reacting to hat is being told of them. They are actually vested in the conversation and trying to learn and understand what is being said. Listening to each other and caring about what is being said is the greatest form of kindness you can ever give.

Lesson #12 - Humility

Everyone is equal in a child's eyes

Children do not care about class or social standing. Children simply see themselves as an equal to every other child. On top of that they do not concern themselves with the fact that adults control a huge part of their lives. A child has this sense of self and does not fight to be seen as better than the next person or child. We are all just people. One person is no more important than the next.

Lesson #13 - Mindfulness

Children are focused on whatever is right in front of them

Children are present. Children are not off trying to plan or concern themselves with their future or dealing with events of the past. Children innocently focus their attention on whatever is happening right now. Like a child, we have to remember to be present and not get caught up in the past or the future. Our lives are right in front of us.

Lesson #14 - Faith

Children simply cannot understand everything

A child leaves a lot up to faith. Children ask a lot of questions and typically do not necessarily get all the answers to those question. Children believe what they are told even if they do not understand it. Children also have this ability to blindly believe in that which they cannot see. Sometimes we are simply not going to understand it or be able to see it but it is important that we simply have faith and move forward.

Lesson #15 - Contentment

Children enjoy what they have

Have you ever watched a child on Christmas morning. Regardless of how many great toys they receive or not, nearly every child will end up playing with that huge box that the parents new TV or Dishwasher came in. A child can have fun with something as simple as a box. It does not take material things or the best new toy to make a child happy. A child can be content with nearly anything that allows them to use their imagination. A person is content when they are happy with what they have.

Lesson #16 - Kindness

Children care about other's feeling

Children are born kind and care about how other people feel. Children are even able to sacrifice and share what they have without concerning themselves about what they are giving up. This is my favorite lesson as it is depicted in this famous picture of a child with nothing in a war torn country that was given two suckers and gives one up to a camera man that could easily acquire a sucker if he wanted. Regardless of the sacrifice, it is always important to be kind.