This summer has been a simple one. No plans, no vacations, no rushing with places to go. Yet, even with these slow summer days, I have found wonder in simple things. My daughter is one, and though I should be teaching and modeling a thing or two for her, she has given me the biggest gift this summer. The gift of appreciating things that I have been too rushed to notice. Here are just a few things I’ve learned from her this summer.
Fun is simple
We often chase big and exciting things. Our culture is constantly telling us “more more more” but my daughter finds fun wherever she goes. The thrill of splashing in cold water on a hot summer day. Opening up a new colorful book. Watching cars go by and getting excited when you recognize the “vroom vroom.” Ripping up paper and watching it fly in the air. These simple activities have made me question, what do you actually need to have a good time?
The Power of Music
My daughter doesn’t know what the greatest or latest hits are, but every time she walked into our favorite coffee shop, she started to dance to whatever song was playing. She felt no shame, no embarrassment, just wiggled and bobbed her head to the beat. She doesn’t know the words, only knows that it brings her joy. How often does music bring us together? More often than not, I would think.
The Excitement of Learning Something New
We learned the word “ball” this summer. Anytime she sees a ball anywhere, she gets excited, points, and shouts “ball”. This might not be groundbreaking learning, but it is exciting when you learn something new. Whether it’s learning a new craft, figuring out a puzzle, or discovering a new word, our brains do light up when things start to click.
Appreciate the Wonder of Small Things
From the lone dandelion in a giant field of green grass to watching an ant march in the cracks of the sidewalk, these things I haven’t taken the time to notice until walking with my daughter. She thinks walking down the sidewalk is the most fun thing, but she stops every few minutes to observe her surroundings. I often feel like I’m constantly rushing through life, trying to check boxes and get to the next thing on my list, but maybe there is something to be learned by observing nature’s small moments.
Smile and Say Hi to Everyone You Meet
I am an introvert and not a social butterfly. My daughter, on the other hand, shrieks with glee whenever she sees someone. We have met so many different people this summer, as well as many dogs, because she takes the time to smile at strangers. I personally have felt like I need to avoid eye contact and stay in my lane. However, I have found that most people like to chat. Sure, being a cute one year old might be easier to get people to smile back at you, but who knows how a small smile might change someone’s day. I think the world could use a few more smiles. It might just be the key to making things a bit brighter, a bit safer, and bring a bit more joy.
So maybe this summer wasn’t filled with travel or plans. However, I think it might be one of the best summers yet.
Bee the Thread 