Joy in Simple Things

Hello dear friends,

It was my niece's 5th birthday earlier in the week and after all the merriment I forgot my laptop at their place. I went back the next day to pick it and decided to spend some time with them. While I was there, my niece and her sister took up balloons and started running across the room, each person in an opposite direction. This went on for about 30 mins, before they moved on to something else. They were laughing and were clearly having fun. It was simple thing that became an "aha" moment for me.

I thought to myself, what fun can there be in running across the living room with a balloon in hand? Such a simple thing! It struck me how much we as adults lose in the "growing up" process. One of them is the ability to find joy in simple things!

I then asked myself if it was impossible to get that back? How can we go back to the place where life isn't too complicated? Once again, a song came to my mind - Bring back the days of Yea and Nay by Bebe and Cece Winans. They sang about when life was so simple, you did or you didn't and you would or you wouldn't. Video here - http://youtu.be/K3KJDdeFpak

I concluded that it's not impossible, if we really want to. I guess the real point is we feel those simple things are too simple that we would probably be ashamed to admit to anyone that we find pleasure in them. As we grow older, we redefine what is cool and what is pleasant, shaped mostly by other people's opinions.

I have never been one to be bothered too much by what others think. My standard is the Word of God. If I pass muster on that standard, even if the traditions of men say otherwise, I'm good to go. I truly think more of us need to get to that level. Worrying about the Jones' and trying to keep up puts unnecessary pressure on us. 

So, simple things:

1. A quiet evening at home, just holding the hands of a loved one while tender music plays in the background. 

2. Watching Disney movies occasionally to lull us into believing that life isn't as bad as we think it is. 

3. A nice home cooked meal with a little snooze after the tummy is full? 

4. Lie on the floor/carpet or bed and think about happy times and laugh out loud. 

5. Play with a child or even a fellow adult. 

6. Sing a Nursery rhyme.

7. Read Tintin. 

They are a good way to temporarily escape from the pressures of being an adult. When we are done with the simple pleasures, we are renewed and able to face the adult world with a better outlook.

May I challenge you to take some time in the coming week to relax, and find something simple to enjoy? Take a break from being an adult and renew your mind, body and spirit. I'm going to do just that. Oh, Where's Tintin? Please join me. If you have challenges posting a comment here or would prefer not to, you may Send me an email at bunmiafolabi@hotmail.com to share your experience. I look forward to hearing your stories.

Lyrics for song Yay and Nay below

I remember when life was so simple
You did or you didn't
You would or you wouldn't
But it ain't like that anymore

I remember when life was so easy
People said what they meant
They were either for it or against
But it ain't like that anymore
Somewhere, we lost the score

Bring back the days of yea and nay
When we could plainly see the way
Then it was up to us to choose
Whether to win or to lose

Bring back the time when we could see
What it was we were to be
Caught in the midst of complexities
We search for yea and nay

I remember when life was so simple
Parents were a light
Through them we saw what was right
But it ain't like that anymore

I remember when life was so easy
Boys grew into men
Little girls to women then
But it ain't like that anymore
Somewhere we lost the score

Bring back the days of yea and nay
When we could plainly see the way
Then it was up to us to choose
Whether to win or to lose

Bring back the time when we could see
What it was we were to be
Caught in the midst of complexities
We search for yea and nay

We knew where we belonged
What was right and what was wrong

Bring back the days of yea and nay
When we could plainly see the way
Then it was up to us to choose
Whether to win or to lose

Bring back the time when we could see
What it was we were to be
Now, caught in the midst of complexities
We search for yea and nay

Bring back those days

Bring back the time when we could see
What it was we were to be
Now, caught in the midst of complexities
We search for yea and nay

Have a great weekend and a wonderful week ahead.

Your Friend,

Olubunmi