The Life Lessons We Learn From Children

We can learn so much from children if we really pay attention and make the effort to see things from their perspective. Children embody a purity and wisdom that most adults have lost touch with in the complexities of daily life.

Many women in my age group, known as the “baby boomers,” were so busy trying to have a career and a family. We believed we could do it all, but in the process we missed many of the little things our children had to teach us. I was guilty of that.

But now that I have grandchildren in my life and have had the opportunity to take the time to see things differently, I have learned many profound lessons and insights from them over the years.

In their early years, children are still deeply connected to their spiritual origins and carry with them a high level of soul awareness that has not yet been clouded by the demands of physical life and the challenges of human existence.

This active spiritual awareness allows them to move through the world with an openness and purity that adults often struggle to maintain. Unencumbered by societal expectations, ego-driven desires, or fear of judgment, they are able to express love, joy, and creativity in their most authentic form.

Because they haven’t yet been conditioned by the limitations and constraints of the material world, children serve as powerful teachers, offering us glimpses of the spiritual truths that are easily forgotten in the hustle and bustle of adult life. They remind us of the infinite potential of our own souls and inspire us to reconnect with the deeper, more meaningful aspects of our being.

They approach the world with a sense of wonder, curiosity, and authenticity, and have taught me profound spiritual lessons through their simplicity and wholeheartedness. In the presence of these wise little sages, I am reminded of the importance of living in the moment, embracing joy, and expressing my true self without reservation.

A child is a beam of sunlight from the Infinite and Eternal, with possibilities of virtue and vice, but as yet unstained ~ Lyman Abbott

Children have an innate understanding of the deeper truths of life. They show us how to love unconditionally, forgive easily, and approach each day with a fresh perspective. They remind us how to reconnect with the essence of our spiritual being. They lead us back to a state of being that is more connected to our true divine nature and the universe around us.

Their ability to see beauty in the ordinary and find joy in the present moment is a powerful reminder that spirituality isn’t always found in complexity; sometimes it’s found in the simple, honest ways we engage with the world.

I have several young gurus in my life who have been growing up way too fast for my liking. Here are some examples of what they have taught me over the past decade.

Lesson 1: Count Your Blessings

One of my granddaughters was diagnosed with Juvenile Arthritis when she was a toddler and was on a number of medications. It made me so sad to see this young child suffering needlessly from a disease she should never have had. One minute she would be happy and running and the next minute she would be stopped in her tracks and unable to get up.

What did this teach me? First, none of us knows what tomorrow will bring. We may be healthy now and wake up in a few hours unable to move. We may be running and playing one moment and crying in pain the next.

Don’t take any day for granted and give thanks for the blessings of what you can do in this moment. Your life can change in an instant, so enjoy this moment in time, no matter where you are in your life, no matter what your health situation is, because in an instant it can all change.

Lesson 2: It’s Okay To Say No!

I also watched my grandchildren understand the word “no” so well at a very young age. They could barely speak in complete sentences, but they had absolutely no qualms about telling us no when they did not like something.

As adults, we tend to get upset when a child says no to us, but how many times have you said yes to another adult and then regretted it? Children say what they think and feel, but as adults we tend to beat around the bush and say yes to many things that only frustrate us or tie our solar plexus chakra in knots.

“No” is a complete sentence. Children don’t explain why they say no, they just say it! You do not need to explain in depth why you are saying no. If it does not feel right, just say no and stick with it. You are in charge of your life and the creator of your own reality. If you are a yes person and people-pleaser, you will never truly be in your own power.

Lesson 3: Never Stop Dreaming

My oldest grandson was extremely curious as a little boy and always wanted to know how everything worked. He also had a very active imagination.

With a little help from his parents, he once built a replica of Toronto’s CN Tower out of cardboard and duct tape. He called it his “invention.” As I watched the video they sent me, I realized that this child really knew how to dream big and reach for the stars.

Do you still know how to dream? Or have you given up on your passions and goals? Do you also have the attitude of so many people that it can never happen for you, so why bother?

A child’s mind knows no limits and when their imagination is allowed to soar, there is no limit. They see potential and possibilities that we adults are blind to.

We must never stop dreaming. Never stop creating your life in the way that is most important to you. See the world without limits and go as high as you can dream. The only limit to your sky is your own imagination.

There is a wisdom in children, a kind of knowing, a kind of believing, that we, as adults, do not have. There is a time when a kingdom needs its children ~ Adam Gidwit

Lesson 4: Trust In Abundance

I remember when one of my granddaughters had her first taste of food, she was more than happy to try something new and different. She just trusted her parents, opened her mouth, and expected them to put something good in it – much like a baby bird that trusts its parents to take care of it.

Her eyes got all big and she made the funniest faces as she tasted each bite, but she ate it all up with more and more gusto!

How often do you simply trust the universe to provide you with the things you need to survive, and openly and willingly accept what comes, no matter how big or small? How often do you shy away from what is placed before you?

Trust that your Higher Self, Spirit and the Divine know what your needs are. Trust that your needs will always be met. Do not allow a lack consciousness to fill your thoughts. Abundance and provision is there as long as you trust and simply allow it to come.

Lesson 5: Celebrate Individuality

Whenever I see my grandchildren all together in the same room, I am always amazed at their uniqueness and individuality, especially now that they are becoming teenagers. They are different ages, have unique personalities, each with different levels of independence and temperament.

This is the way we are as adults. Each of us is unique, and we do not all have the same views or preferences as the next person. Everyone has different lifestyles, different things they like to do, and different needs depending on their personality and stage of life. What one person sees as a gift or blessing may be seen as an obstacle or even a curse by another.

My grandchildren do not always get along; each has a very unique personality. One is polite and diplomatic; one is a little spitfire but too cute not to adore; one is highly intelligent and needs to know how everything works and always wants to share his knowledge; the youngest is just a cuddle bug, and so on. But in the end, they love and respect each other and are loved equally by their parents and grandparents.

We must celebrate and respect diversity and individuality. Know that you are not the same as everyone else, and they are not the same as you. You can be different and still get along with and love someone else. You also do not have to change another person to fit in with what you want, nor do you have to change for another person.

Lesson 6: Speak Your Truth

If one of my grandchildren likes something, they tell me. If they don’t like something, they let me know in no uncertain terms. They have been very opinionated since they spoke their first words.

Over the years, they have said things that have made me laugh out loud…or cringe! They did not censor their words or suppress their inner voice when they were little. They spoke freely, even when it wasn’t what we adults wanted to hear.

Always speak your truth. Never allow another person to take away your power by conforming to what they want to hear. When you live your life this way, you set boundaries for what is and isn’t acceptable to you. It is never about intentionally hurting another person, but if you are unhappy and hold it in, it will hurt you and slowly erode your personal power. Always speak your truth, but be considerate and kind when you need to be.