With five grandkids, the playroom is truly the epicenter of the house. It can be quite messy and loud at times. The table and chairs have paint stains. The cars and trucks are missing a wheel or two, and not a single doll has clothes on.
There are books to read, most with tattered pages. A play kitchen to whip up pretend food, an easel for drawing, and a teepee to play in.
It is a place for bouncing, hiding, building, play-acting, and creating. It is a place that belongs to the wild side of a child's imagination.
Watching the grandkids play and taught me several life lessons.
One: Each day brings new ideas to life. The toys are the same but the make-believe is always impromptu. Kids see the world as an adventure with endless possibilities. Adults tend to get stuck in a rut doing the same thing over and over again. I want to be more spontaneous, see life in a new and different light each day.
Two: It's ok to be loud, sing silly songs, and dance like no one is looking. Children have fun every day. There is no embarrassment; they are masters of the silly nilly. I want to live my life in abandonment, not caring what others think—having a full and abundant life full of adventures.
Three: Your favorite things are the ones we love the most. Toys are no fun unless they are played with. Like the Velveteen Rabbit, he was worn and falling apart because he was loved. Kids play with abandon, using every resource available. I want my home to be used, not roped off like a museum. What use is a set of china if you never eat off of it? Or a beautiful couch that you never sit on. I want my home to be worn out from love.
Four: Be courageous, learn new things, don't give up. Children fail everyday and come back the next day to try again. Who would be able to ride a bike if they didn't get back up after falling. It is never too late to learn. Try a cooking class, or open a new business.
Five: A hug and a kiss really do make all things better. Children do not hang onto anger. They release it and return to play another game. I want love to be my armor, covering everyone in forgiveness.
My grandchildren are beautiful mirrors reflecting life in a new light.
Enjoy Life
Gigi Lori
"While we teach our children all about life, our children teach us what life is all about" Angela Schwindt"
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