Why can’t we be as carefree and fun as we used to be when we were younger?

Things like getting your face painted, playing with friends in playgrounds, swinging on the swing, jumping in puddles or climbing trees. Watching my three nephews run around, safe, giggling with joy and just chatting and making friends like it’s the easiest thing in the world. And maybe it is? Why is it so hard to make friends as adults, is it that the judgment of our societies takes a toll on our thinking? Everyone cares about what others think but some have it as a passing thought and others dwell. Do I care? Yes. Mostly about friends, social circles, work colleagues. Do I try not to overthink? Of course but, easier said than done. Am I right?

So why not just do it anyway. What’s the saying? You could be the finest peach but, there will always be someone who doesn’t like peaches. Well I’m going to be a strawberry. There will always be something you’re doing that doesn’t align with someone else’s opinions or views. So how do I help my inner youth come back out.

Is thinking young being young?

Is it that simple?

Waiting a few years ago in line to get my face painted, I looked around and I realised…. I was the ONLY person over 7 waiting in line. I was the only adult willing to to let myself not care, let go of the boundaries of judgement and just have fun again. It wasn’t a big step but it felt big. The excitement of sitting in the chair and picking what I want was just…fun. Plain old fun. It was then I decided every chance I could I’d get my face painted. So I did. I then progressed to fun glitter hair pieces. Colourful plaits.

It progressed to challenging myself to try new things that gave me that same fun feeling I used to get when I was young. I booked random gigs with friends to bands we’d never heard. Went pottery throwing, which produced some questionable pots. Participated in paint and sips, with one too many sips. Challenged myself to do a half marathon, which was a lot more difficult than I ever imagined but, it was such an achievement. I didn’t let the ‘oh you don’t run, it’ll be hard.’ ‘I could never do that.’ ‘Why would you want too?’ ‘What’s the point?’ stop me.

It led me to build confidence and try dance again after years of looking and wanting. I picked up two more hobbies, which honestly I did not need! lol!

I had the privilege of changing jobs and moving to a little studio flat. After moving around the country this didn’t seem as daunting any more. The confidence I’d built through simply putting aside other peoples judgments and expectations was expediential. When I feel down, stuck or stagnant I look to do something new or something I know I enjoy. Simply stopping to look around can often help reset your brain and all the funky chemistry going on in there.

The world at the moment is insane. It’s dark. Overwhelming and quite frankly exhausting. If you can look after yourself and your mental health by doing something small, new and exciting. You can’t help the world if you don’t care for YOU.