Soul Path Insights

Childhood has a way of making the world seem so big, filled with endless possibilities and magic in the smallest things. Back then, time felt different—like every day stretched on forever, with moments of adventure and wonder. I grew up in a close-knit family, and most of my childhood was happy. Sure, there were a few not-so-great memories, but they were overshadowed by the freedom I felt to explore, play, and simply be.

Our house was surrounded by hills, tall buffalo grasses, and trees that practically begged to be climbed. Those afternoons spent in nature were pure bliss—catching grasshoppers, wandering through the fields, and climbing trees like I owned the world. It was simple, and that simplicity held so much joy. As Christopher Moore said, “Children see magic because they look for it,” and I was always on the lookout for magic.

Then there was the roof. My niece, nephew, and I weren’t supposed to climb up there—our parents made that clear—but that only made it more exciting. Whenever they weren’t around, we’d sneak up anyway. Lying on the roof, staring up at the sky, I’d make up stories about the clouds, imagining they were shapes from some faraway world. Sometimes we’d just sit up there, laughing and talking, knowing we’d have to scramble down if we heard anyone coming. It felt rebellious in the best way.

One of the memories that really stands out is when my wealthy neighbors across the street put out boxes of toys to be thrown away. I hardly ever saw their kids, but one day, there it was—a treasure trove of toys just sitting there. It felt like Christmas morning. I gathered up as many as I could and brought them home, filling our basement with what felt like an endless supply of joy. But after a while, the toys disappeared. Maybe a family member got rid of them when I wasn’t looking. I felt a little pang of sadness, wishing I could’ve spent more time with those toys. But even though they were gone, the excitement of that discovery stayed with me, a fleeting but unforgettable moment.

As a kid, I thought growing up would be even better—more freedom, more control over how I spent my time. But now, I see that the real freedom was in those carefree childhood days, when I didn’t have the weight of obligations and responsibilities. Summers seemed to stretch on forever, even though they flew by because I was always having fun. It’s funny how time works like that. Even now, as an adult, it speeds up when we’re busy or enjoying ourselves. I guess that’s something that never changes, no matter how old we get.

“There is a garden in every childhood,” Elizabeth Lawrence wrote, “an enchanted place where colors are brighter, the air softer, and the morning more fragrant than ever again.” That was my childhood—a time where the world felt more alive, where even the smallest moments were filled with wonder.

Growing up, I held on to that sense of magic for as long as I could. When I left my teenage years behind, I wasn’t quite ready to let go of childhood. Even in my teens, I still felt like a kid in many ways. It wasn’t until I hit my twenties that I truly accepted adulthood, and even then, I sometimes found myself longing for those simpler days. If I could, I probably would’ve prolonged childhood just a little longer.

Ritu Ghatourey said, “Every child is born a naturalist. Their eyes are, by nature, open to the glories of the stars, the beauty of the flowers, and the mystery of life.” That natural curiosity and sense of wonder shaped my childhood, and it’s something I try to carry with me, even now. Life may have gotten more complicated, but the memories of those carefree days continue to remind me of the beauty in simplicity and the joy in being fully present.

Soul Insights

1. Freedom in Simplicity – Childhood teaches us that true freedom comes from the simple joys: catching a grasshopper, climbing a tree, or watching clouds from the roof. As adults, it’s easy to get caught up in life’s complexities, but simplicity can bring us back to that feeling of being free.
2. The Wonder of Exploration – Children are natural explorers, whether it’s in nature or their imagination. As adults, we can keep that wonder alive by staying curious, trying new things, and never losing our sense of adventure.
3. Connection in Play – Play isn’t just about having fun; it’s also about connecting with others. As kids, we bond through play, and those connections stay with us. As adults, it’s important to find ways to play, laugh, and connect with those around us.
4. Time Slows When We’re Present – As a child, time felt slower because I was fully present in each moment. Now, I try to remind myself that being mindful and present can help stretch time, even in the midst of a busy adult life.
5. Holding Onto Wonder – Just because we’re grown up doesn’t mean we have to let go of wonder. The magic of childhood is still within us, and we can find it in the small, beautiful moments of everyday life if we keep our eyes and hearts open.

Final Thoughts

Looking back, childhood was a time of freedom, wonder, and endless possibility. I may have dreamed about growing up and gaining control, but the real magic was in those early years, when life was simple and full of adventure. Even now, as an adult, I hold onto the lessons of those days—the importance of staying curious, appreciating simplicity, and being present in the moment. No matter how old we get, there’s always room for wonder.

© 2024 Amelie Chambord