When was the last time you really got excited about something? A hilarious thing we noticed a few weeks ago happened with Bailey and my nephew, Tré. The kids were gearing up for school and it was that lovely time of year when we were getting ready to pick up school supplies, and more importantly to tweens and teens – clothes!
Man, these kids were so excited about getting new shoes. It was simultaneously adorable and annoying. Their excitement was almost tangible. I mean, these guys looked like they were going to burst out of their skin with excitement. How could you not smile at something like that? On the other end of the spectrum, their behavior seemed a bit shallow. The lame ass-adult side of me started to think about materialism and our obsession with acquiring things. And while that may be a bit true, such sentiments are coming from a grizzled, world-weary thirty-something. I never cared for wearing the latest and greatest clothes. I’m a jeans and t-shirt guy. Granted, my t-shirts are often witty, geeky, or Star Wars-related (yes, I’m one of those people), but I know what I like and don’t deviate from that. With that in mind, I can’t really judge these kids. They were just being kids.
You couldn’t help but smile at their enthusiasm. And that’s where my wife, Kara, brought up a good point – when were you that excited about something?
Probably when I was their age.
Bailey back in the day. The boy’s been a Halo addict ever since!
Along with our innocence, somewhere along the way, many of us lose that excitement or enthusiasm for life. I’ve had to remind myself many a time to sit back and enjoy the small things. As an adult, I think many of us forget to do that because we have so many stressors, the biggest of which often stems from finances. If there’s any main thing where I could say adulthood sucks, that’d be it right there.
Fortunately, my profession (nursing) tends to keep me grounded. I’ve come to recognize and appreciate the little things – from the beating of my heart, to enjoying a cup of coffee, to laughing at the awkwardness of a puppy or small child as they stumble about the world, new to it all. There’s so many joys to behold and experience.
We tend to overlook that as we go about our lives, seemingly moving about at a hundred miles an hour.
I have to remind myself to step back and appreciate it all. Sometimes, all I have to do is think about Tré and Bailey, strutting about in their new Jordans, happy because their new shoes carried the name of a Legend and happened to be all black. The thought of their joy makes me laugh and smile. Kids appreciate the little things. And it’s magical to behold.
I think that’s a lesson we as adults can appreciate and learn from.
Then again, I may be totally wrong. Maybe kids just get excited because they’re not footing the bill! I won’t lie, when I get shit for free, it sure as hell brings a smile to my face! 
-ty
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