When I look back at my childhood….

    

     There is no doubt in stating that childhood is definitely the most memorable, wonderful, amazing and formative part of one’s life. It can be passed off as a fact that our childhood molds us into responsible individuals of the future. A phase that teaches us new lessons at every step along the way, this duration transforms us from little naive kids to matured adults. 

     Childhood is not just about learning and growing, it is also about enjoying the innocence of life. As life opens its pages one chapter at a time, childhood is that innocent phase that does not reveal all difficulties of the true struggle ahead. It protects us from several realities to be faced in future, making it a colorful time filled with sweet imagination. As kids we are brave, confident, positive and certain that life is all under our control. There is no limit to the faculty of imagination, when kids believe in the supernatural power of their superheroes or strength of their favorite fictional characters.

      Any essay on childhood can go on for several pages. Such is the beauty of the phase that it is filled with bright nostalgia. Childhood cannot be complete without the role of parents, siblings, teachers and friends that make the phase extremely enjoyable. One cannot explain the magic in dependence, as the balance between listening to elders and strong desire to pose as adults combines into a unique feeling. When the path seems clear it is fun to act as elders, only to cry for their help at the very next moment. Childhood is the foundation that builds mannerism, behavior, nature and reaction for the adult years of life.

       Each one of us have loads of memories from this irreplaceable phase. No matter which end of the world we go to or what kind of lifestyle we choose for ourselves, childhood shall always remain close to our lives. One mention of anything related to our childhood and the stories do not cease. Many a times, when we look at anything that is remotely related to our childhood, we find ourselves pulled to the golden era. This usually ends with repetitive narration of same old stories to those around us or action replay of the wonderful past in our world of thoughts. Whatever be the outcome, it is fun to associate ourselves with the glories of childhood.

      So, with this thought in mind, what does your childhood remind you off? What aspects of your personality are influenced by the lessons from this childhood? When you look back at your carefree phase today, what do you look at?

   While framing this post, I was motivated to look at my childhood and ponder about its unique flavors. I was tempted to revisit my past once again with an aim to think about all its colors and lights. We rarely think about the good, old past as present demands our attention and time, but when life offers us any opportunities to do so, it is fun to dive right in and get the feel of every single wave.

 

  Do share your end of story too as experiences add to the power of words.

  One contemplative look at my childhood and I see the following:

1.       Enthusiasm and energy: Childhood was all about unlimited energy and enthusiasm. There was a driving power to attempt every single task without any biased thoughts in mind. Though the energy can be sustained in adulthood too, it is marked with constant judgment and analysis. As kids, the enthusiasm was born out of the desire to try out things and experience it open arms.

2.       Less thoughts, more action: Over-thinking and over-analysis are all mind games of the adults. As a kid all that mattered was actions and play. Rather than bothering about rights and wrongs, the mind was more focused over games and activities. It did not pertain to play alone, every single domain including academics was more about work and less about analysis.

3.       Ego - invalid entry:  This was certainly one of the most obvious reality of childhood. Ego holds no place in childhood as mistakes and errors are part of usual routine. Attempting a mistake meant lessons from the elders and moving ahead without allowing it to cast a permanent hurtful mark. It was easier to delete errors and refrain from committing them as compared to handling adult egos and awkwardness today!

4.       Expression and experience: As a carefree phase of life, childhood enables us to express our true feelings and emotions. Without any pressure or guilt, expressing what the heart feels was the most amazing aspect of childhood. Be it tears while demanding something or joy while getting goodies, be it anger over fight with friends or surprise over unexpected gifts, childhood is all about expressing and experiencing everything with purity.

5.       Goals and plans: One cannot talk about childhood without mentioning the numerous goals and plans made with friends. From career to house, city to hobby, every single thing is chalked in depth with friends, giving way to a happy dream life. While some plans are accomplished with success, the reality of future appears far different than those magical words laced with innocence.

It is impossible to pen down every single thought about childhood. A massive subject with innumerable thoughts, this phase truly offers more than one can ever imagine. Though practical reality greets us along the adult phase with loads of drama and adventure, childhood still continues to be the most memorable and favorite time of our lives! It is only after we inculcate every single lesson from our childhood into adult life, when we realize that there is something missing. Unless a teacher reminds us of our mistake, there is no fun in erasing it from our books!