I Wonder Why? Finding Joy through Your “Little Girl”

Today I headed out for my ritual Sunday morning beach walk, only to find that, because I was a little later than usual, and it was a postcard-perfect day, I couldn’t park in my usual spot.

So, rather than parking up next to the beach, I had to park in the parking garage two blocks away. That gave me the perfect opportunity to browse in the little local shops along the way.

This year I made three commitments to myself regarding “buying things”:
1. I am limiting purchases to only things I absolutely need. I “shop” in my own closets, drawers, and secret hiding places and find most everything that comes to mind!
2. I diligently re-purpose and revitalize everything I can.
3. And when I must shop, I head to the thrift store first. If I have to get something new, for gifts mostly, I shop locally.

I needed a couple of gifts, one for a new family addition, and the others for friends I’m re-connecting with next weekend, so the little beach store on the corner was the perfect stop.

They have a great collection of children’s gifts, most with seashore themes, which always catch my eye. And today, the one that grabbed me was a wonderful book called “I Wonder Why The Sea Is Salty” by Anita Ganeri.

As I flipped through the brightly colored pages filled with wonderful questions like,
“Is the Red Sea Really Red?” and “Which Fish has Headlights?” and “What Makes Waves Roll?” I could feel a huge grin coming over my face.

How wonderful it is to see the world through the eyes of a child!

It has taken me years to re-connect to myself as a little girl. I am so grateful I have invested the time and energy in developing wellness practices that led me back to that feeling of the giddy, pure joy that most toddlers roll around in every day.

With the help of my gentle friend and coach, Rochelle Schwartz, just last year I finally stripped away the layers and layers of “adult gunk” that got in the way of me recognizing my beautiful “little girl”. At Rochelle’s urging, I dug out a picture of me as a toddler and hung it on my wall. I greet her every day. I continue to be amazed how such a seemingly simple act could have such a profound impact on my life.

When was the last time you went “outside to play”? Have you built a sand castle, or searched for a four leaf clover any time in the past 10 years? Or scribbled aimlessly with crayons on a blank piece of paper?

Where are you hiding your “little girl”? Dust her off, and say “hello”, she might even be able to tell you “Why the Sea is Salty”!

In the spirit of wisdom, wellness, and prosperity,
Nanette