As summer approaches, an anticipation of endless summer nights and beautiful days at the beach intensifies. I reminisce about my childhood summer memories filled with swim team practices, lunches at the grill, and mint chocolate chip ice cream.
Now, as a mom, I am eager to create those memories with my daughter and share all of my traditions with her. Sometimes, I feel that there aren’t enough days in the summer to capture that excitement and curiosity. I daydream of being that child again with that innocence and urgency to explore, but then I realize I don’t have the same flexible schedule.
My days are filled with endless work at times, and I also yearn for peace of mind. I enjoy reflecting on that innocence of feeling fulfilled with the simplicity of those carefree days. When does it start to take that turn? When do those stamps of time become quickly replaced by a constant race against time? I yearn to rediscover that sense of wonder, where each day held the promise of new adventures waiting just around the corner.
How do we find that time again as adults? How do we begin to silence that running narrative in our heads?
Encouraging ourselves to flood our minds with memories of those endless journeys on the beach, collecting shells, looking at the waves, or just daydreaming. Daydreaming can be a powerful tool for reconnecting with that lost sense of wonder. By intentionally setting aside time to explore our imaginations, we can reignite the spark of curiosity and adventure that once colored our childhoods.
As I observe my daughter take on each day with enthusiasm and curiosity, I realize my mindset needs to be adjusted. I yearn to embrace that same sense of wonder she possesses, allowing myself to see the world through her eyes. By doing so, I can rediscover that joy in simple moments and encourage both of us to explore the beauty that’s all around us.
Taking that moment, that pause, to find the inner beauty and essence of what life is really about is what’s important. It’s about embracing the little things, whether it’s the vibrant colors of a sunset or the laughter shared during a spontaneous adventure. By nurturing this perspective, we can cultivate a deeper connection to each other and the world around us, making every experience more meaningful.
I learn to pause through my daughter’s curious point of view. I embody her being and practice filling myself up with her urgency to find excitement in every little thing, object, and even insect she comes into contact with.
I have to admit, picking up a worm or ladybug and marveling at its beauty creates an appreciation for life. It reminds me that God is in everything we see and is within us.
My daughter and I began writing down our memories of the beach, and we photographed the various shells and rocks we had collected over the years. We even brought home sand to keep in a beautiful vase, reminding us that we are always just an eye’s gaze away.
Capturing our experiences and putting them down on paper is a way for us to stay in the moment. We have decided to write our first children’s book together. In awe, I watch my daughter take the lead and create a masterpiece. I will keep you all posted once it is completed. I encourage parents to find an avenue of their own with their children that can be their family masterpiece.
