Through Their Eyes

Why can’t we be more like three-year olds? Last Saturday I was driving home from a workout, listening to Eddie Vedder and my mind began to drift. The next thing I was thinking is why couldn’t I have the same outlook all the time as my three-year old son has? Vedder has a way of making you have such deep thoughts. This week we’re going to discuss five ways why we should think, act, and view the world more like a three-year old.

1)   He doesn’t care about color or race.

Unfortunately race is still an issue in our country. Kids don’t care about skin color. What truly matters to them is what type of person an individual is. We’re not born knowing stereotypes or racist views; they are learned, not inherited. I always try to relate things to sports, and on the best teams race doesn’t matter. Sports help teach and promote tolerance. As Bill Parcells said in his epic Hall of Fame speech, “the only thing that matters in a locker room is can you help? And are you willing to help us win?” I wish the world were colorblind like our children are.

2)   Age isn’t anything but a number.

As we grow older we become more cautious and we take fewer risks. Sometimes that’s a good thing, but we tend to act older than we really are. My son is a cautious risk taker. Sometimes he’ll think things through and decide, “Nah, I better not do this.” And I sit there saying, “Wow, great decision. I’m impressed.” Other times I’ll be watching him and think, “Ok, there’s no way he’s going to do that.” Then BAM. He goes and does something crazy. There’s an important lesson there. Be fearless. Take calculated risks. My son is afraid of getting hurt and that’s about it. Well, sometimes monsters too. But regardless, he’s not afraid to take chances and as we age we tend to become more and more cautious. We should never become too old to play dinosaurs, trucks, and run through sprinklers. My son just wants to have fun and do what makes him happy. I admire that and want to be more like him. Who cares about outside views or expectations on how we should be or act? We have only one life. This isn’t a dress rehearsal, so we might as well live it to the fullest. Just like our children do.

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