What I Have Learned From a Two Year Old

 

Well hello there.  I am feeling quite happy today because my dad sent me a bunch of photos of my adorable nephew.  He is two and a half and it amazes me how much I can love a child that isn't mine.  Sometimes I think about him randomly throughout my days.  I  realized the other day how much he is teaching me about my life.  The way he moves through life is a good reminder of how I should behave in my own (not always literally).  

 

He reminds me to do the following:

1) Give myself credit for small wins.  It's a big deal when he goes "poopy in the potty."  We cheer, we clap, and we even have a song about it.  He gets a big smile on his face because he knows he did something great.  This reminds me to congratulate myself for things that might seem small to others.  There's no harm in being kind to yourself.

2) See everything as a learning opportunity.  He's at that age where he questions everything.  And when you say something- he repeats it.  His mind is like a sponge.  This reminds me to be aware of what's going on around me and never stop learning.  There's always more to learn.

3) Make time for fun.  He can occupy himself for hours.  Sure he moves from the sandbox outside to the train-set inside and back again, but there is never a lack of things to play with.  This reminds me to always give myself fun time.  It helps to reduce stress and can improve mood.  Yes, I have adult responsibilities, but I should always make time for play.