Michael

My daughter found the following quote by Pablo Picasso: “It takes a long time to grow young.” She liked it a lot and modified it to:

“It’s easy to grow old, but it takes a lifetime to grow young.”

I believe she has insight into a key component to living a good, productive and fun life. A lot of people grow old very quickly. They become rigid in their thoughts, beliefs and behaviors. Everything becomes serious. They forget what it’s like to be a child again.

Children and dogs live life in similar ways. Think about it and I’m sure you’ll agree with most of their principles of living:

1. Play a lot.
2. Friends are forever.
3. Take a nap when your body says you are tired.
4. Don’t hold a grudge.
5. Share your enthusiasm.
6. Follow an insatiable curiosity.
7. Ask a lot of questions.
8. Run for no reason.
9. Walk in the rain.
10. Climb trees. (Yes, I know most dogs can’t do this. But you never know.)
11. Get your back scratched regularly.
12. Laugh deeply and as much as you can.
13. Dance when the mood strikes you.
14. Eat some cake or candy.
15. Sing.

I believe my daughter’s quote captures how most people live. It takes us a long time to remember how children and dogs live life. But, I don’t think it has to take that long. We can start doing many or all of these things now. If you are having difficulties incorporating these principles into your adult life, try playing with children or dogs. But, don’t forget to follow their example!

Go play!

Michael