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Home / Lifestyle

Louise Thompson: Do what you did when you were younger

Louise Thompson
By Louise Thompson
NZ Herald·
28 Jul, 2013 09:00 PM3 mins to read

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Do some of the things you enjoyed as a child. Photo / Thinkstock
Do some of the things you enjoyed as a child. Photo / Thinkstock

Do some of the things you enjoyed as a child. Photo / Thinkstock

Louise Thompson
Opinion by Louise Thompson
Louise Thompson is a columnist for Bite.
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Looking back last week at the whole of our lives from the perspective of our older selves is valuable as it connects us to our spiritual fuel and our values. Why we want to choose what we want for our lives. There is also much to be learned from the perspective of our younger selves. It's an opportunity to really connect with what brings us joy and happiness. To uncover innate strengths and aptitudes will serve as inspiration for future exploits.

When we are small we spend our days playing joyfully, with no thought of "wasted time" or "unproductive time" or trying to please others. We are so "us". When we are little we gravitate to activities that connect with who we really are without the pressure of social judgment. Long before we start to feel the weight of the opinions of others ("yes darling, painting/dancing/carpentry is lovely but it really is a hobby not something you should seriously pursue/study for a future/living/occupation/job)" we just do what we enjoy because we enjoy it, and that inherent enjoyment is enough.

I have a mantra for clients who are seeking their best lives and endeavouring to create their most fulfilling path. It's "follow the fun". A sense of joy and fulfilment can often be found by reconnecting with some of our childhood pleasures. It doesn't mean, of course, that you are automatically going to find a career being a rollerskating queen with a lucrative sideline in Barbie doll hairstyling, it's more a jumping-off point. A thought-starter for you to bring more playtime, hobbies and fun into your life. It's doesn't have to be a career development thing (although of course sometimes that exactly the way it goes) but more an exploration of what would bring an additional dollop of delight into your life. And who doesn't want a little more of that?

• Three things I loved doing as a child were...

• Time would fly by, as I child I was so absorbed when I was...

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• My favourite toy/game/activity when I was 5 was...

• My favourite toy/game/activity when I was 10 was...

• My favourite toy/game/activity when I was 15 was...

• My favourite birthday present ever was...

• As a kid, I remember doing for hours and hours...

Discover more

Opinion

Blog: Dare to dream big

16 Jun 09:00 PM
Opinion

Louise Thompson: Daydream believer

30 Jun 11:05 PM
Lifestyle

Happiness is $100,000 plus

02 Jul 09:00 PM
Opinion

Louise Thompson: Milestones and life lessons

07 Jul 09:00 PM

What themes run through your answers? Were your favourite pastimes Creative? Physical? Social? Academic?

• The themes I notice are...

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What are three ways you could bring an element of this into your life now? Is there a night school course you could join? Could you give yourself a $50 budget at an art store? Is there a club or team you could join? Start a book club? Research a cycling trip to Vietnam? Volunteer at a children's charity?

Use the essence of your answers to spark ideas, use the inspiration of pure childhood pleasure to create opportunities for connection and engagement today.

Action step

Take one element of childhood pleasure you have identified above and incorporate it into your everyday life. Take the inspiration, so something for the sake of enjoyment and not a measurable outcome, and follow the fun. Who knows where it might lead?

Louise Thompson is a life coach, yoga teacher and corporate escapee. For more from Louise, visit positivebalance.co.nz or connect on Facebook.

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