There is something about the way children view time that fascinates me. As adults, we are so programmed towards being on time, chasing time, respecting time, but playing like there is no time at all, that is a blessing of childhood.
Landon and I took a walk the other day, and by walk, I mean it took us over an hour to simply get to the end of the street. For you see, Landon had to stop to blow every single dandelion that we came across, and we came across a whole lot. Time was irrelevant, and the only thing that mattered was moving on to the next dandelion. He giggled, he rolled the soft fluff in his fingers, he let the sunshine warm his back, and he was just so fully in the moment.
I think that it is safe to say that on those days where we can release the hold that time has over us, those are some of the best days. The days where there is no carpool, no soccer practice, no bills to be paid or grocery shopping to do. Where no one is counting on us, and we can just simply play in the dandelions, so to speak, for as long as we please, those are the best days. They don’t come along often enough, do they? We try and tell ourselves that we will do better and make more days like those, but somehow time always gets us in the end.
Perhaps as we get older and have children of our own the goal is not to force ourselves against the current of time, but rather to protect our children from it’s grip for as long as possible. Allowing children the time and space to simply be, to play and explore, to run and create, to be bored and without schedule, that is what keeps them in the now, in this moment.
As for me, I am working hard to make sure that anything that I chose to do, I do with enjoyment. I figure if I can’t beat time, I can at least love every minute of what I have been given. I have left behind the feelings of “I have to”, and am trying to replace it with “I want to”. It isn’t as easy as I would like it to be, but it does give this journey through life a bit more meaning.
But some days, oh how I wish I could just get lost in a field of dandelions.
{ 14 comments… read them below or add one }
Beautiful post and so very true
Beautifully said Heather. Those never ending toddler days, while at the time seemed a bit too slow, are now reflected upon as quiet and sweet and magical. We miss that a lot as kids get older and busier.
I think having had Jacob and Elwood, and then such a gap between Landon has helped me to look back to see how fast those toddler years went by. Maybe I am just learning to appreciate this time with Landon more because of that.
Perfectly said. As a grown-up, it’s so hard to let go of that clock, but the days that K can convince me to do it always are the best days.
Yes, I always marvel at my children’s fluid sense of time too. Beautiful post and such a nice reminder!
Fluid is a beautiful way to describe the way children move through life.
Heather…My first response to this was ~ Wow! I love Landon’s sweater. So so so beautiful. I remember the post when you shared it, and in these photos it shows just how beautiful it is. Also, what you said was so well articulated…and true! I would love for my chidlren to not experience the adult version of what time is all about and it slowly is creeping up on them as we now have guitar class and a homeschool walk to get to. I catch myself saying Hurry up, please! and your reminder here is timely. Thank you.
Wishing you a lovely week, my friend.
xo Jules
Oh my, I totally hear you with the “Hurry up!”. I try so hard to never utter those words, but does it ever happen some days.
So beautiful! I completely agree with every word.
oh, how I wish there were more days where we could let go of time…I am off to a weekend on the beach, I hope is going to be like your walk!
What a perfect sentiment to have Heather. To try and enjoy every moment of every day. When you spend time with little ones it reminds you of just that…to be in the moment and not thinking about the past or the future.
Thanks for sharing this and reminding us all to get lost in a field full of dandelions.
Deb
That really is one of the best things about having kids, they are the perfect reminder of what is important in this life.
V started walking about a month ago and she is now getting really good at it. So in the mornings when we take our walks I allow her to walk with me. It takes us a good 5 minutes to get up the driveway as every ant and pebble needs a hello. Getting down the street is neigh impossible because every rock needs to be given a hand shake and well sometimes you just need to sit down even if you just got up. So I really understand this no time thing. Of course I am sort of the middle observer of time. I two young children on one end and then older parents on the other. The other day my mother was talking about how she can see the end of her time coming in the distance. She knows it’s a ways off yet but she can see like a faint mountain in the distance. That gave me such chills. It’s good to be in the middle for me, I am appreciating both sides with eyes wide open.
sweet words here, heather. I’ve been trying to be a little free-er these days, stealing moments between dinner, practice, work and homework. Usually our dandelion moments involve a dance party, which seem to be happening spontaneously several times a week. A field of dandelions, or a jam session to Gangnam Style. It’s all the same, lol.