Christmas is the perfect time of year for people like me!  Those of us who believe in magic and goodness and surprises can be more open than usual with our enthusiasm and wide-eyed wonder.  Growing up is not all it’s cracked up to be.  From what I’ve seen, it can really suck.  I’ve said “no” to growing up a million times, on the inside anyway (and to Larry – LOL).  Navigating through the adult world is more of a series of techniques designed to protect the little me. 

          I still believe that, deep down, all people have at least a spark of goodness in their being, whether it’s visible on the outside or not.  Life has a way of beating the crap out of that goodness, sometimes replacing it with anger, resentment, and confusion.  I was always told that’s just part of growing up.  No thanks.    

          Everyone has a story and it makes them who they are, for the most part.  Some may simply accept and exist in their ‘lot in life’ because it makes sense to them.  For others, it’s just the easiest way to survive.  The key, however, is to try to understand what has or has not happened in another person’s life to make them the way they are.  Remember, perspective is a choice that people don’t realize when they are wracked with emotional pain.  You don’t have to like it or agree, but you must accept their reality.  One thing you can do, however, is try to connect to that little spark of hope in that person and feed it a touch of positivity.  Look in the eyes – it’s just beyond the pupil…  

A twinkly smile can go a very long way when you share it with a stranger!

What makes children different is their ability to not see life for what it is, but to dream about the possibilities of the future.  I look for little miracles in each day, determined not to let the ‘big bad world’ consume me, for too long anyway.  My feelings get dreadfully hurt when people are mean and that’s when I most feel like I’m seven years old, hiding in my closet to cry.  On the other hand, when I play with a puppy, the seven-year-old is also there in full force, giggling and rolling around the floor with my feet in the air.  Take a little time to be silly today!  Look for the little miracles – they’re there!  On that note, time to take a walk along the water, absorb the sunshine in my face, and breathe in some crisp ocean air!  Life is beautiful today!

          “To always see life through the eyes of a child is to never grow old.”