Inner child

The child is in me still and sometimes not so still. Fred Rogers 
 
When was the last time you stared with innocent wonder at a spider spinning her web?  Gone barefoot in the rain? Blew bubbles?
 
I never tire of the swirling translucent orbs floating on the slightest breath of wind. Born of liquid glycerine and brought to life by a short puff of prana they begin their disappointingly short journey of picture perfect delight. 
 
I believe If you stay aligned with your inner child, you’ll always feel forever young. Bhuwan Thapaliya. After all Adults are only kids grown up. Walt Disney
 
This week take a moment to look through the eyes of a child when everything seemed possible and remember,  you still have the chance to be that wild. Nikki Rowe. The only thing stopping you is looking back in the mirror.

Hold On for Dear Life

HODL describes crypto traders who never sell no matter how much money they’ve lost. Proud eternal optimists would rather go down with a sinking ship than get out alive with some modicum of dignity and cash in their pocket.

I believe we all have examples in our own lives of holding on even when doing so is no longer in our favour. We remain in abusive relationships; stash boxes of clothes we’ll never fit into; remain disengaged in an unfulfilling job; are stuck in habits and lifestyle choices made at a younger age. What is it that prevents us from acknowledging that everything has a time and place?

Some of us think holding on makes us strong; but sometimes it is letting go. Hermann Hesse

Our material wealth, status, and possessions may come and go, so too our friends. ELO reminds us to ‘Hold on Tight’ to our dreams. This week consider your childhood dreams.  What have done with your life thus far that embodies the aspirations of your inner child?  Isn’t it time to re-ignite it?

All the art of living lies in a fine mingling of letting go, holding on and moving on. Havelock Ellis

My name is Martha and I am an AFOL.

Sixty four years ago Godtfred Christiansen applied for a patent for interlockable toy bricks that his father had invented.  Today 7 Lego sets are sold every second around the world. Not only enjoyed by children, adult fans of Lego (AFOL) now number 40,000+.

My infatuation began during the lockdown last CNY.  First the lion dance set then for next ten nights I was assembling facades, Nian Shao, firecracker strings and market stalls.   Thank goodness Lego does not do every Chinese holiday….yet.

Numerous articles describe the use of Lego ‘to disconnect from the mania of the day’. 

Lauren B.Bird writes that 86% of stressed adults claim play helps them unwind. Assembling is a mindful and calming activity requiring full concentration. Hand-eye coordination helps to reduce uncontrollable thinking, and decrease anxiety. Completing projects promotes self esteem and a Lego 2018 Play Well report shows a clear link between regular play and happier, healthier families. Isn’t it time to unlock your inner child?

We don't stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing.George Bernard Shaw.