Feel Happier by Embracing Kid Stuff

Let’s be real, everything about 2020 is getting old, fast. It was cute when we were all home for a couple weeks, taking in what Tuesday afternoon actually looks like in our home. But after four months of this, my eyes cross at the thought of yet another stroll in the neighbourhood.

Not to mention, the ever present anxiety of taking care of another human being — a particularly tiny one in my case. Truth is, I’ve learned more about how to live joyfully from my nearly two year old daughter than ever before.

I realised I’ve given away far too much of my mental and emotional real estate to worrying — often about things that are largely out of my control. I watch my daughter spend time being curious without guilt, laughing at herself, and unabashedly saying “hi!” to anything that moves (and some things that don’t). It’s changed my approach and challenged me to be silly again.

[referenced url=”https://www.lifehacker.com.au/2020/07/our-favourite-unconventional-uses-for-pool-noodles/” thumb=”https://www.gizmodo.com.au/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2020/07/21/boot-noodle-300×164.png” title=”Our Favourite Unconventional Uses for Pool Noodles” excerpt=”Did you know that you can only order pool noodles in packs of six or more? Because I learned the hard way.”]

Silly is so good for us. Silly reminds us that you don’t need a reason to laugh. Maybe you’ve jumped on the banana bread bandwagon, bought a sushi-making kit, and are now the proud parent of ten new indoor plants. I tried being a toddler again — I played a game, jumped in a ball pit, and even threw a tantrum for fun. It was a tall order with an epic payoff. Thanks to my kiddo I learned how practice being joyful.