Random carthweels

As I was watching my 10-year-old bounce around the house the other day, I stopped and watched for a minute, envious of her lack of inhibitions and happy go lucky spirit.

I giggled as I imagined the world where adults could act that same way. I mean, wouldn’t it be awesome if we’d just be standing there at work talking to a coworker and break out a random cartwheel?

Or maybe be in the living room with your family, doing multiple handstands while carrying on a conversation about chores and schedules? Wouldn’t that totally lighten the mood and make things so much more relaxed?

I was thinking as I watched her race up the stairs to her room, taking two steps at a time and then coming back down and jumping the last three, how much more fun that would be at work or when we’re out and about.

Ya, people might look at you funny if you bounded up the stairs in your office building or downtown at the department store, but for one it’s better exercise and two, way more exciting than properly and methodically taking one step at a time. Plus, there’s the whole race factor. Racing your family up or down the stairs will certainly produce more smiles than boring frowns. And if you fall, that’s what doctors are for.

I sat outside last weekend and watched my joyful 10-year-old, speed through the yard and hurdle the shrubs, over and over again, celebrating each time she cleared one, like she just won the Olympics.

I had to laugh to myself as I envisioned how much more entertaining it would be if folks in the neighborhood would run through the yards and jump over bushes instead of politely walk on the sidewalks keeping quietly to themselves. I guarantee adults would be a lot happier if they cleared a shrub hurdle on a nice day than if they walked a boring mile. They would be so proud of themselves and might get some cheers from the homeowners!

Yesterday at school, when I dropped her off, I watched a group of her friends spot her getting out of the car, and then sprint to greet her, yelling her name and squeezing her with hugs, when they all had just seen each other the night before at practice. I got to thinking how hilarious that would be if we adults greeted each other that way when we arrived at work in the mornings! I get out of my car and my coworkers rush to welcome me to work that day. Awesome!

I know this all sounds ridiculous and will never happen in real life, but I just got to thinking that if we could keep even a tiny bit of that inner joy that a 10-year-old has, maybe adults wouldn’t be so grouchy all the time. When did we lose that inhibition?

When we did we become so worried we would get hurt or embarrass ourselves that we don’t have fun anymore? When did I stop doing cartwheels and handstands or racing up stairs and jumping off couches? I don’t know, but I think I’ll try it next time I’m feeling “too adult”. So if you see me running through your yard and trying to jump over your landscaping, don’t call the police. I’m only trying to find the joy of a 10-year-old again!