There are childlike qualities we all once had. Over the years some of these qualities got toned down. Others seemed to disappear. In reality, though, they are still inside us. In our adult lives, we may find it helpful to tap in to these childlike qualities again to help us move forward and how we want to live our lives.
Consider the following list of childlike qualities. How would it serve you to demonstrate more of them in your own life?
- Curious
- Bold
- Authentic
- Vulnerable
- Confident
- Exuberant
- Persistent
- Lighthearted
- Imaginative
- Trusting
- Wholehearted
- Single-minded
- Open
- Playful
- Filled with wonder
- Seeing possibilities
- Abundant
- Forgiving
Consider, for example, you are wanting to try something new as you are discovering your purpose and living your calling. Naturally it is scary to try something new because of the chance of making mistakes and looking foolish. In these moments, it would serve us well to tap back into childlike qualities such as boldness and persistence.
Similarly, as we are working on our purpose and calling we may encounter obstacles. If so, we can tap into abundance and seeing possibilities. Some persistence could come in handy, too.
In relationships, we may well be served by getting back in touch with authenticity, trust and vulnerability. The masks we wear on a regular basis often hinder real connections with other people. They prevent us from showing who we really are and from having the maximum unique impact only we can have. Being authentic with other people, even from a stage connecting with large groups of people, is something I have been working on. I’m finding that people respond very well to me when I am being genuinely me.
Confidence would help us move forward even in the face of fear. In this sense, approaching life a little bit more like a child would help us to be much more effective. I’ve been working on this one, too.
Pick a few childlike qualities that would help you in your quest to make your own, unique positive impact in the lives of other people. Choose this week to step back into those qualities. They are still inside you. They did not go away, perhaps you just stopped expressing them for a while. Getting back in touch with them can help propel you forward now.
