Hello dear readers,
Last night I spent some time with an old friend. Lisa and I met in college, shared an apartment in our early twenties, and have been friends ever since. Now she’s married, has two children, and runs her own company. My life has stayed pretty much the same. We don’t see each other as often as we should, but whenever we get together, it’s always a blast and I’m reminded of how very lucky I am to have her as a friend.
One of my greatest regrets about our crazy schedules is that I don’t get to see her girls very often. Livi is almost four, while Jovi is two. I would really like to be a better auntie. I remember how important my mother’s friends were to me as I grew up. I loved them to pieces, and even used to stay overnight at “Aunty Carol’s” or get advice from “Aunty Merle”.
It had been a regrettably long time since I’d seen the girls, but as I opened the door (after wandering in a confused daze around the neighborhood for thirty minutes–you know you don’t see someone enough when you can’t find their house!), Livi catapulted her little body into me and hugged my legs. I was so surprised by her lack of shyness and unabashed affection. And it didn’t end there. From the moment I walked in until the time they went to bed, I had one or both girls climbing onto my lap, playing with me, giving me kisses, or getting piggyback rides. Livi was a gentle sweetie, always wanting a hug, while her little sister Jovi has become a firebrand–hurtling herself into me and laughing like mad. Poor Lisa probably didn’t get the adult visit she had hoped for. Her girls are quite a distraction.
Which brings me to the point of this post. I think everyone can benefit from time with children. I don’t plan on having any kids of my own, so I’m often moved to tears by things that your average parent accepts on faith–the complete trust of a child who slips her hand into yours, or the way your heart swells when they whisper “please don’t go”.
Since the end of April, I’ve been writing most days about living your best life, and I mostly talk about writing and kickboxing as a way to get there. But kids–the ones who have relatively happy, abuse-free existences, that is–are already living their best lives. They have no problem asking for what they want. They aren’t afraid to show love, because they haven’t learned the pain of rejection yet. They just have FUN–with whatever they’re doing, whenever they’re doing it. Even exercise is fun when you’re a kid. I watched Jovi and Livi run around for hours without ever fretting about how many calories they were burning. I also saw them greet their pieces of cake with squeals of glee–there wasn’t a moment of hesitation.
Of course we all have to grow up. And it’s unavoidable that all the disappointments, heartaches, and rejection we face on that journey to adulthood will change us, harden us. I still think there’s a lot we can learn from the littlest members of society. People always say we should live each day like it’s our last. I think we should live each day like we are children again, entranced and delighted by everything we see. Go ahead and hug your friend like she’s the most precious thing in the world. Ask someone you care about not to go, to stay a little longer. Want something? Ask for it. Say what you mean.
And if you want to take it a step further and have a temper tantrum in the boardroom, I won’t hold it against you.
What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned from a child?
Thanks to my wonderful friend Lisa for letting me use her family photos, and for the incredible evening. She is an amazing mother and friend.
Thanks for hanging out with me and the munchkins! We all enjoyed your company, esp. the girls who haven’t stopped talking about you. Can’t wait to read the blog post to them tonight.
You are, and always will be, one of my best friends. We love you, Holli!
Aww, thanks so much, Lisa. Your friendship has always meant the world to me…we have seen each other through so much. It’s so nice to see what a good mom you are–that those girls are so sweet and loving is a real credit to your parenting! I love all of you too! Thanks again.
Fabulous blog Holli!
Children can teach us much about life. 🙂
As a mother of three and a new grandmother, I’m well aware that there are many things to be learned form little people. It is a bit sad that we eventually grow up and lose that child-like wonder we were born with.
Great post!
Hi Cat and Laura!
Thanks so much for commenting. I was afraid this post wasn’t resonating with anyone, and I’m so happy that it has. I’ve often heard that having children keeps a person young, and now I can see why. You both are lucky to have those experiences every day. Thanks for being here.
I just spent 6.5 hours in an Apple store lineup in order to replace my drown iPhone…. my poor children had to suffer this offence with me and they did it with patience and love and humor. Sometimes I feel they put up with more from us than we know. Especially since we ended up missing a playdate with my daughters friend because of this taking longer than expected (far longer).
I am proud of my kids every day. They’ve been through a lot in their short lives and they handle it with grace and an easy-going nature that you don’t see in most adults. And I did my best to put aside that protective parenting nature society conditions us to and let them explore the mall a bit as long as they checked back regularily.
We all enjoyed a nice ice cream cone as our reward. Sometimes the best is saved for last.
Hi Kim,
Thanks for your comment. We can certainly learn a lot from children, but I don’t think many kids are as patient as yours’. 🙂
Love this post! I look forward to spending time with my nephew and niece – they always say or do something that makes me laugh but gives me pause for thought, too.
Thanks Madeline, and welcome to my blog! I really appreciate the comment and the follow. You are lucky to have a nephew and niece. I’m an only child, so I have to depend on my friends to supply the kid time. 🙂
Great site. A lot of useful information here. I’m sending it to some friends!
Thanks, Anonymous. That’s very kind of you to say. Come back often.
Thanks for commenting.