Raise your hand if you LOVE that gummy bear commercial where a group of distinguished looking grown-ups sit around in a boardroom discussing how their gummy bears are “gooder” than others.
Every time I see it, I have to smile. Then the thought crosses my mind–what would the world be like if we all embraced that enthusiasm and excitement from childhood in our every day, regular adult lives?
One of the pleasures of being a mom is dropping off the children at daycare. No, I don’t mean getting them out of my hair and yes, I know drop off can certainly be stressful and harrowing. I mean the joy and element of the unexpected that you encounter when you bring your child into a room of eight other children their age.
Every day in my son’s three year old class, his group of tiny friends would greet him with the sort of excitement you might expect from a family welcoming home a long lost loved one. They would yell his name–at least I think they were saying his name–and simply celebrate that he was back among them.
Later, I would arrive at work and think of how great it would be to be greeted by my coworkers in such a way, or maybe just a simple, how was your weekend? Wanna grab a coffee? Children also seem to need to share that innate excitement with others. Recently, as my husband dropped off Little Bud at summer camp, a young camper approached my husband with a gleeful announcement. He had chocolate milk for breakfast and even better, he was now having chocolate milk burps! What a great thing to not only celebrate, but also to share with unsuspecting strangers. Imagine what they share with each other!
Now, I know that we distinguished grown-ups have to filter our thoughts and function properly in society. Plus, there is the fact that adulthood and parenting is hard. But maybe, we could all use a little more enthusiasm and joy. Our children certainly need our excitement and approval. Next time your child brings home that drawing from camp or a good grade, try joining in his or her delight and celebrating the good news. Hang that drawing proudly on the refrigerator and slap high fives all around. Maybe, perhaps, you can even spread that joy to your coworkers by recognizing their success, supporting them in their new endeavors or simply being happy they are here.
