When did we lose our innocence? That spirit of purity that allowed you to experience life and absorb the good vibes around you? I was recently at a small gathering in celebration of a cousin’s graduation and I noticed the kids playing. Just playing. In this moment of time, all that mattered was playing tag. There was no pandemic plaguing our world. There was no apocalyptic election that was poised to take place later this year. There was only the game. It was relaxing to see this tiny group of cousins just run in circles, breaking the wind with their sprints and bombarding is with giggles.
When Did We Lose Our Innocence?
I now find myself wondering when did I lose my innocence? When did we all lose our innocence? I used to run around without a care in the world. Even as I got older, I took my responsibilities in stride and balanced them with carefree fun. But somewhere between the onset of puberty and my graduation from high school, I lost it. I do not know if it was hormones or becoming socially and politically aware that did it but at some point, freeing play like that ceased. If I wanted to play, I had to be sure I could spare the time for it. Days went from whimsical to methodically rigid so I could map out all the time needed to be a student and researcher. I am sure many of you have gone through this same metamorphosis. But is there some unwritten rule stating we cannot reclaim those childhood feelings again?
Taking Back Our Innocence!
I feel like I should put a disclaimer here: I am not in any way stating that we should shun our responsibilities as adults and frolic in a field. I am stating we should carve out time in our lives and frolic in a field like we used to as kids for a while just to give our souls that uplifting feeling again. The world has been in dumpster fire mode for a while now and I do not know if it is because of the rise of social media or people are just paying more attention, but it is weighing on our souls. Weighing us down. Keeping us grounded when we used to fly.
I am the wake of this pandemic and unholy ceremony; I mean election year we should pencil in some fun. Go for that leisurely walk and just enjoy the sights and smells. Go play with your kids and let them take the reins. Play a video game with no shame whatsoever. Bring some pure unadulterated joy to your life because we have been fighting so much these past few years. Even heavyweight boxes know when to rest. Let’s go innocently play and refresh our souls.
Thank you for the great reminder! Great writing LeTavious.
I think somewhere on the way, I just decided one day, no more of this serious lifestyle, this is not who I am.
I enjoy the fun and laughter even in my most darkest days. My mom almost 80 and lived like that, so for sure no matter what my age will become, I will always be like this. I truly believe that without this, we can not survive struggles or challenging times, we need it to survive. There is an old ancient Indian scripture which says to never take life to serious. I don’t plan fun and laughter, it’s just there. Thank you.
Thank you for this Letavious! You invite us to recapture some of the childhood innocence and simple pleasures that bring us joy. As I am laying on the couch after an arduous week, I am taking you up your message. I am about to get engrossed in my favorite activity of reading a good book, which I did for many hours as a child. I appreciate the reminder!💖
I am so glad to remind you of that joy, thank you for reading!
Another absolute gem! Cognitively speaking, our brains adore play. It helps us to understand our surroundings in a carefree way. When we play, we don’t have the heavy thought that you mention, we are living in the moment. I love playing with my children, but I have to admit that it’s pretty hard to “play” when they are not around. But as you mention it could be as simple as a walk, a weed-picking session, or anything we consider carefree.
I’ve recently picked up meditating using an app called Insight Timer. I use it almost every night and have increased my ability to sleep soundly tenfold. I think the main benefit from it is learning how to stop thinking for a while and learn how to appreciate the silence in life. Thanks for the thought provoking piece! I adore your writing.
Thank you so much for the kind words, and that definitely sounds like an app I will be getting soon!.
Letavious, Great advice my friend.
Thank you very much Mr. Tyler!