Sometimes, we let our past circumstances dictate our future. Sometimes our pain causes us to cease living. One of the greatest  tragedies about growing up is our loss of childlike innocence. And in my life, there have been many times where I’ve let fear and pain stop me from living. Where I stopped thriving and was simply surviving, numb to the world. But that’s why I love the idea of being like a child and letting ourselves live abundantly.

So, think back to when you were young, before your painful life experiences. Before hurt and fear found a permanent place to reside in you. And ask yourself what it would look like to go back to when you were just happy to be alive, instead of afraid to step outside of your comfort zone. Ask yourself if there are areas in your life where your too grown up, and could use some childlikeness.

But remember, there is an important difference between being childish, and childlike. To be childish is often used in a derogatory way when someone acts, infantile, selfish, immature, impatient, foolish, irrational or petty. When people criticize, shame and belittle others and act entitled, they are acting like a child. Similarly, trying to control other people and demanding or manipulating others to get your own way is also considered childish.

But to be childlike means to have the good qualities of a child. To be innocent, trusting, eager, open-hearted and able to speak your mind without fear of backlash. Being like a child also means you are optimistic, hopeful for the impossible, full of wonder, wide-eyed with enthusiasm, genuine and honest. Typically, children trust and expect that the best is yet to come, they have a lot to look forwards to and are therefore full of hope and faith that things will all work out. They don’t look back at the past with regret or what if’s and neither do they often experience anxiety about what tomorrow will bring. Being an adult who is like a child means you let yourself rely on others, because you are able to ask for help. Most children don’t feel like they have to do everything themselves and be self-sufficient, instead they understand intrinsically that they are not an island, and that it’s okay to ask for help. And most children are not typically jaded and closed off, unable to see the best in people and let them into their heart.

Now I don’t know about you, but I have spent a lot of time trying to be completely self-sufficient so I never have to ask for help. Trying to do everything correctly, so I don’t have things I have to have any regrets. And I have spent way too much time worrying about the future, rather than be present and enjoying the moment. And way too much time being suspicious of others, too afraid to let them get to know the real me. So, my goal is to once more be a child who lives in wonder. Who lives and loves unconditionally and unguarded, and unafraid to be her true self. Who’s always full of hope, expecting good things to happen. And who throws caution to the wind and follows her dreams at any cost. I want to live life like the child I once was.

Here are just a few small things you can do to be more childlike:

Take a chance on someone, by letting down your guard.

When someone compliments you or says something kind, don’t shrug it off. But instead pause for a moment and consciously choose to accept their words as genuine.

Show more affection than you usually do and go hug someone.

Do something to pamper and love yourself.

Go do something just for the thrill of it.

Focus on being present in the moment.

Appreciate the wonder of the little things.

Practice gratitude and thankfulness.

Go appreciate nature.

Believe the best about whatever situation your in.

Speak your mind, without worrying about what people might think.

Be as blunt as your younger self once was.

Expect the best instead of the worst in a situation.

Do the opposite of what your fears are telling you to.

Challenge yourself to step out of your comfort zone.

Ask someone for help, even if you think you shouldn’t need it.

And lastly, take the first step to pursue your dreams.

Aim to be a child at heart. And to never forget to wonder as you wander.