The not knowing of life. The "What if" question, followed by a string of negative thoughts, emotions, stress and the physical symptoms that come along with it. The worrying about what others will think, and the fear of failure. These all stand in the way of us living the fulfilling life that we all want to live and going after those big and little things that we want in the world.
As a coach, my life's work is to help people live the life that they want to live. To do that, I seek out inspiring things every day. This week, I read something that inspired me so much that I've included it in the excerpt below. Criticizing yourself, doubting yourself and putting pressure on yourself is absolutely unnatural. You weren't born this way. When you were a child you were full of life, curiosity and enthusiasm. When you learnt to walk, each day, (step by step) you followed that urge to move around on your two legs without asking yourself the least question.
You kept trying, over and over, tirelessly to reach your goal. And then, you were delighted to have reached it. (When you were learning to walk), you never said to yourself, "I'm not going to make it.” Nor did you think, "What if they laugh at me?" Be at peace with yourself (all of you). Love yourself and dare to dare.
Excerpt translated from Chantal Rilland’s "Un Big Bang Par Jour" with my words in brackets.
When I read that, I thought, "Wow, she's right." If we would all go back and channel some aspects of our toddler self, so much would change.
Toddlers are daring little beings that harbor very little fear. They climb, roll, flip and jump with no hesitation. Bottom line: they take risks.
Toddlers explore the world openly and no question (or answer) is out of bounds or impolite. They just want to know more about the world – the people, things and experiences - around them.
Toddlers don't worry about being humiliated or others’ opinions of them. They are content with just being, and are comfortable in their own skin.
Toddlers are fully expressed beings. They clap, dance and sing, again not caring what anyone thinks as they express themselves freely. Or they might cry and throw a tantrum. What’s important here is that they allow themselves to feel emotions. They live in the moment and don’t hold back.
Toddlers make it known when they want or need help. They never let pride get in the way of anything they want or need. This is not a suggestion to start throwing adult tantrums, but rather an admonition to ask for help when you need it. So many of us are too prideful to ask for help when we are facing difficult circumstances. Toddlers never make that mistake.
I don’t know what situation in your life is making you feel fearful, anxious, or worried, but I know for a fact that most toddlers don’t have that problem. Take a moment today and think of how your life would change if you were able to approach your circumstances through the eyes of a toddler – with child-like faith so to speak.
What can you do today to connect with your inner toddler and trust that everything will turn out just fine? Who in your life can you ask for help?
I’d love to hear your comments and thoughts about what it would be like to have Toddler-Like Trust!