Ah, to be a child again. That's a thought that many adults have said to themselves again and again, especially when the trials and tribulations of daily life become too complicated. Many people view their childhood as the golden years, the times when they could play and laugh, and they had no responsibilities of any kind.
I had a great childhood. It was a time of learning, exploring and happiness. As I look back and reflect on those years I spent hiking with my father, going on trips to various places all over the west, collecting rocks and bugs, visiting museums and so forth, I realize that I enjoyed life and living from the day I was born.
As I have entered my forties I have learned that childhood is a state of mind and not a time period. That sense of wonder and excitement can exist at any time in one's life, and I have succeeded, in many ways, in regaining or even exceeding all of my childhood innocence and happiness.
I remember watching a wasp build a nest when I was twelve years old. All of my attention was on that wasp; it flew down to the ground near a waterhole, scooped up some mud, and flew back up to the eaves on our garage to quickly build a little more of it's home. I was fascinated, awed and excited. What a wonderful place this planet was, I thought; what a thrilling time to be alive.
Even today, as I near my 48th birthday, I feel the exact same contentment. We live on an incredible planet, with some exciting things happening all around us. Changes are occurring everywhere, all of the time, and it is up to us to observe, learn, understand and enjoy these events, or not, as we choose.
What a wonderful time to be alive.
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