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Monday, February 27, 2012

Through the Eyes of a Child

Written for GBE2 week #41 prompt - Simplicity


   
      What if we all could see the world through the 
       eyes of a child?  

      What would this world be like?

      Would it be a better place to live?

      Would we be happier?

      Take a moment and think about the above questions.   Then think about your children, or any children you know.

      Children are such open and honest creatures.  The world is not a complicated place to them.  They are brought into this world without any preconceived notions or beliefs and capable of the most loyal and unconditional love imaginable.  Take them home and care for them, feed them, clothe them, hold them and the love they will return will be like no other; no strings attached.  They don't look to see if your skin is the same color as theirs, nor do they stop and ask, "What's in it for me?"   

      As children grow older and start to school, they still believe that everyone can be their friend and all people are worthy of their time.  To them the whole class is one big happy group, regardless of race, religion or politics.  It's a simple equation as far as they are concerned - more friends = more fun.   And as for the rest of the world, it's all black and white to them...good or bad.  What a beautiful concept.  

      Unfortunately, children get a lot of their education from older siblings, neighbors and adults.  We know the world isn't as simple as it seems to our children.   We see the lines that divide us.  Everything can't be as black and white as kids think because we have to look at all those gray areas; all those layers that define good or bad.  Race, religion, politics, social status, job, etc., etc....all the things that we use to put up walls between us.   It doesn't take children long to pick up on this.  It doesn't take them long to lose that child-like innocence.   Children learn quickest when they learn by example.

      Okay, so maybe I'm being naive.  I know the world isn't going to suddenly start acting like children (although many already do, but not in a good way).  But I do think we could all learn a lesson from our children in getting along with others.  We are the ones who built the walls that divide us so we are the only ones who can tear them down.   How beautiful would this world be if we could love and accept others with the unconditional simplicity of a child?     

Until next time...that's my view.

Kat



28 comments:

  1. Yes. Children's views are so simple and pure. One of the reasons I enjoy working in the classroom.

    Nice write, Kat.

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    1. Thank you Daphne. I just know you are a great teacher.

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  2. Children and the things they say are always interesting.

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    1. That is so true. Thanks for stopping by.

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  3. I would love to see the world through a child's eye again. I think I am cut off from some people that I might otherwise be friends with because like so many others, I sometimes just don't the time to make a new friend. Kinda sad. Great post. ♥

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    1. I'm sure we all miss opportunities to find new friends simply because we don't take the time. Thanks Jo.

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  4. It would be great to be able to go back and be able to view the world and everyone in it with that same wide eyed wonder. Things would be a lot simpler. Great post KAT!

    Kathy
    http://gigglingtruckerswife.blogspot.com/

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    1. Thank you Kathy. I think there are a lot of lessons to be learned from children.

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  5. Oh, I love this blog! We grow cynical as we experience all the bumps and bruises of life. How wonderful it would be to be able to recapture the wonder of our youth! Although, in my retirement with greatly reduced responsibilities, I find that my inner child is stepping out more and more. The trouble is that she is mischievous! LOL

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    1. Darlene, somehow it doesn't surprise me that your inner child is mischievous! Seriously, I do agree as we get older it does seem easier to think like a child in some ways.

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  6. I love when we go to the park, or the playplace at McDonald's and after 10 minutes, my kids have new friends.
    Lovely post.

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    1. Yes Jewels, there is a lot to be learned from our children.

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  7. Oh good, now I KNOW I'm in the right place! Snow angels anyone?

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  8. Adults who can access their inner child are my favorite people. Now what airport did you say you were near?

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    1. That's why I love you, kiddo! I left you a message on fb and told you the airports I am close to.

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  9. Children really do wonder at everything! I think that the world would be a better place if we all played a little bit more.

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    1. I agree. We need many more play-dates! Thanks for stopping by!

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  10. Awesome post. Reminds me of the "All I Really Need To Know
    I Learned In Kindergarten" poem by Robert Fulghum - so true!

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    1. Thank you Laurie. We can learn vital lessons from kindergarten.

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    1. Thank you Anna. I appreciate your stopping by and leaving me a comment. Please come back soon.

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  12. I cant agree more. It is so true. The innocent comments my children give are so sweet and I think or my god how twisted can we be
    www.thoughtsofpaps.com

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    1. Yes, Paps, I'm not sure just when or why we lose that innocence but unfortunately, we do seem to.

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  13. I don't think it's naive. I wish more people shared your appreciation for the simple joy of being connected to people. Under all the surface stuff, I think we are all the same. We're all born wise--it's a shame that some of that wisdom gets lost in the living.

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  14. That is so true Beth. Life shouldn't be so complicated but we seem to make it that way.

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