Be a kid again
Forget planning a big summer party. This summer, I challenge you to act like a kid.
There are moments throughout the year that trigger the nostalgia of youth. Seeing a full stocking on Christmas morning, carving a pumpkin, dying Easter eggs, etc. For me personally, nothing triggers fond memories of my youth like summertime. It reminds me of days off school, art and sport camps, playing in the rain, trips to the beach, chasing the ice cream truck, drawing with sidewalk chalk, playing in the pool, roasting marshmallows…you get the idea.
As adults, we enjoy the hot days and warm nights of summer as well, but our activities have changed and we tend to live vicariously through watching children experience the joys of youth while we reminisce of simpler times.
At what point in our lives did we stop playing? When did we outgrow the joys of running through a sprinkler, sitting on the patio step with an icy cold popsicle or simply throwing a ball back and forth? Or do we never outgrow these joys but simply stop indulging?
My challenge to you this summer is to embrace and relive some of the activities of your youth. Find a few of your close friends who long for the joys of being a kid again and plan your activities. No explanations. No apologies. Own the experience.
Need some inspiration? Here are a few classic childhood activities/indulgences:
-Popsicles/Ice Cream Treats: What was your favorite icy cold indulgence as a child? Freezer pops? Push Pops? Klondike Bars? Drumsticks? Rocket Pops? Buy a box, sit outside on the curb and enjoy!
-Sidewalk Chalk: Drawing on your driveway is a cheap and fun activity. And let’s be honest;your drawing skills have probably improved since you were a child. Whether you want to sketch flowers, write a message or create boxes for hopscotch or four square, grab some chalk and play!
-Kiddie Pool: Regular pools are great, but who can forget the plastic, cylindrical tubs we all played in as a kid? Go to your local toy store, buy a couple of these inexpensive pools (one for each friend), fill them with hose water and lounge in the pools all day enjoying the cold water as you chat with your friends. Warning: if you have dogs, they might join you.
-Lemonade Stand: Who says only kids can sell lemonade? Put a mature spin on this childhood classic (no, I don’t mean adding booze) and set up a stand where all proceeds benefit a local charity. You get to enjoy the feeling of being a child entrepreneur again while raising awareness and funds for a good cause.
The list of potential activities is endless. Take control of your summer. Do what you have to do, but take a moment to be a kid again.