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| The New York Optimist |
“Think Like a Child”
By: Nina Mistier
Children always want to have fun, play, move and laugh. They enjoy new experiences and discoveries, reading
stories and going to the playground. As we grow older and take life more seriously we begin to lose the happy go lucky
way of looking at life.
What age and wisdom teaches us if we let it, is that life is short, people we love may not be there forever so we must
appreciate them, live in the moment, never take anything personally, everyone sees things differently, forgive others for
past transgressions, but be smart enough to not let it happen again and look for fun and happiness in everyday.
These are wonderful teachings to assimilate into our aging selves, but it seems many people get so caught up in worrying
about maintaining our health, monetary status, responsibilities and others. If we spend all our time worrying, we are not
enjoying life nor are we living in the present. Worry comes from the pending doom of the future; the question is “what
if?”. The responsibilities we have are valid; we do have to pay the bills, feed our families, provide shelter and safety, stay
healthy and plan activities. The difference is in our perception of ourselves and these responsibilities and doing them one
day at a time, as opposed to planning the rest of our lives. If we truly are present today and are somewhat happy, at least
for part of the day that will bring more happiness to us in the future. The way we live today, affects the way we live
tomorrow. If we do the same thing over and over we will reap the same results.
Spend time observing children and emulate a few of their characteristics you had years ago. Have a water gun fight, go to
the beach and play in the sand, tickle attack someone you love, tell a funny story, have an ice-cream cone with sprinkles
and most importantly, feel happy inside. For each moment of happiness you allow yourself to feel, you are bringing more
happiness into your life. For each moment of worry and sadness you feel, you bring more of that into your life. Choose
what you want to feel and pass on to your family. It may take effort, but the effort is worth it. Practice today and see
how it goes; one day at a time.
Nina Mistier is a Holistic Counselor, College Instructor, Yoga Instructor and Mother who holds an Advanced Master of
Science degree in Counseling Supervision, a Master of Science in Counseling Psychology, a Bachelor of Science in
Psychology and studies holistic healing, nutrition, energy and positive psychology.
August 9, 2009
By: Nina Mistier
Children always want to have fun, play, move and laugh. They enjoy new experiences and discoveries, reading
stories and going to the playground. As we grow older and take life more seriously we begin to lose the happy go lucky
way of looking at life.
What age and wisdom teaches us if we let it, is that life is short, people we love may not be there forever so we must
appreciate them, live in the moment, never take anything personally, everyone sees things differently, forgive others for
past transgressions, but be smart enough to not let it happen again and look for fun and happiness in everyday.
These are wonderful teachings to assimilate into our aging selves, but it seems many people get so caught up in worrying
about maintaining our health, monetary status, responsibilities and others. If we spend all our time worrying, we are not
enjoying life nor are we living in the present. Worry comes from the pending doom of the future; the question is “what
if?”. The responsibilities we have are valid; we do have to pay the bills, feed our families, provide shelter and safety, stay
healthy and plan activities. The difference is in our perception of ourselves and these responsibilities and doing them one
day at a time, as opposed to planning the rest of our lives. If we truly are present today and are somewhat happy, at least
for part of the day that will bring more happiness to us in the future. The way we live today, affects the way we live
tomorrow. If we do the same thing over and over we will reap the same results.
Spend time observing children and emulate a few of their characteristics you had years ago. Have a water gun fight, go to
the beach and play in the sand, tickle attack someone you love, tell a funny story, have an ice-cream cone with sprinkles
and most importantly, feel happy inside. For each moment of happiness you allow yourself to feel, you are bringing more
happiness into your life. For each moment of worry and sadness you feel, you bring more of that into your life. Choose
what you want to feel and pass on to your family. It may take effort, but the effort is worth it. Practice today and see
how it goes; one day at a time.
Nina Mistier is a Holistic Counselor, College Instructor, Yoga Instructor and Mother who holds an Advanced Master of
Science degree in Counseling Supervision, a Master of Science in Counseling Psychology, a Bachelor of Science in
Psychology and studies holistic healing, nutrition, energy and positive psychology.
August 9, 2009
| Nina Mistier "Think Like a Child" |
