I love working with preschoolers. I know some people get hives just thinking about the unbridled energy, sticky fingers, and constant "why?" But I honestly believe if most of us embodied our inner preschooler we'd be much happier.
Why?
Well preschoolers have this great ability to believe that they can do ANYTHING! They can be a ballerina (even if they haven't mastered how to balance on their tippy toes), they can be the President (even if they live in Canada), heck they can even fly if they want to (even if it is only in their imagination). Preschoolers don't limit themselves, their feelings, or their creativity. They aren't bound by the same boundaries that adults face in the "real world," in fact they live blissfully in-between our world and the world of dreams. And like Cinderella once sang "A dream is a wish your heart makes..."
As we grow we seem to drift farther and farther away from the vividly colored world of dreams and get stuck in the grays of the real world. We experience embarrassment, hurt, disappointment, overwhelming responsibility, the list goes on. We hear things like "Be realistic" and "Is that a smart choice?" We no longer dream we can be Ballerinas or Super Heros. We settle for the safety and security of boxes that society puts us in. We stop taking risks, we stop believing in ourselves, we stop dreaming.
Most of us grow to believe we like our boxes. They are cozy, safe, secure, and we can predict what is going to happen next. And that means we wont get hurt. But there is only so much we can grow within the confines of our boxes. Pretty soon the walls that once seemed safe and comforting become suffocating and restrictive. So how do we break out of our boxes?
Remember when you were first learning how to ride a bike, or skate, or swim? It wasn't something we could master within the first few tries. In fact, if you were a clumsy, uncoordinated kid like myself (yes a shocking revelation coming a professional dancer), it took months even years to perfect. But we did not let our failures stop us from trying, and trying and trying again. And then when we finally rode down the block without training wheels, or skated around the rink without falling on our butts, or doggy paddled across the pool without a life jacket we were filled with the joy and satisfaction that can only come from triumphing after a long, hard battle. The hardest journeys are the most rewarding.
In my dance classes I often say "Go big or go home!" I realize this could come across as intimidating. However, what I am trying to encourage people to do is step out of their box and not let the walls of doubt and insecurity they have built around themselves stop them from continuing to grow. When we let our egos stop us from taking a risk and being vulnerable the only person we are hurting is ourselves. But when we leave our fears and insecurities at the door we become stronger physically, mentally, and emotionally. Our confidence increases and we start to see the possibilities in life. And maybe we start dreaming a bit again.
So challenge yourself and free that preschooler who has been trapped inside your box for far too long. Take risks, be vulnerable, and believe in your dreams! Don't expect perfection (preschoolers sure don't!), allow yourself to make mistakes (we all do!), and honor and enjoy the journey. Sure you might not grow up to be a prima ballerina but you might surprise yourself and discover you truly can learn to dance! And maybe, just maybe for a moment you will understand how it feels to fly.
"When I grow up I am going to be a ballerina, art teacher, candy shop lady Mama!"
-Bria Griffin age 3
Yes baby, yes you can!
