“When I grow up, I want to be a
little boy,” American author Joseph Heller once said.
Fellow Toastmasters, friends, and to
all those who wish or envisage themselves to be a child again, Good evening!
Isn't it strange when the names given
to us by our parents are oftentimes revealed in our behavior? Do you agree that
sometimes the meaning of your name reflects on who you are as an individual?
Let’s say Nino, a Spanish name which means little boy, reminded me of my childhood
memories. While I looked back, I suddenly felt very sentimental. I wasn't only
longing of my childhood experiences but I also found out that the child in me
was lost. I contemplated for a while and realized three traits among children
that I believed has called me to live like a child.
Let’s begin with the very common
trait among children, being cheerful. No matter how exhausting it is to take
care of the children, once they smile, the sacrifice is nothing compared to the
joy they give. Most children by nature
are happy people that even in their most ordinary moments, you still see them
smiling. When I asked one of the grade 1 students on what makes him happy, he
just gave me a big smile and said, “Nothing!” I couldn't easily figure out what
he meant by his answer but then I realized that this kid smiles even for no
reason at all.
Next prevailing trait is being
enthusiastic. As the saying goes, "Enthusiasm is the thing that makes the world
go round!" Children have this passion that is contagious. Whenever we have
our art activity, my class is eager to finish what they've started. You can see
how enthusiastic they are in their drawings or paintings because they love what
they do. There is always that fire to give the best in them. This determination
refuels their dreams to come true.
Lastly, children are always lovable!
This trait is undeniable. When one of my co-teachers came inside the grade 2
class, he was very disappointed with their behavior and reprimanded them, “Keep
quiet and I don’t even want to hear you breathing!” There was a minute of
silence until one of my students raised his hand while holding his breath and
said, “Mr., if I don’t breathe, I’ll die.” The purity of their hearts shines in
them for being true with their feelings. I love these little kids not because
of the physical attributes or intellectual capacities but more importantly
because they deserve to be loved.
After my reflection, I felt so grateful
that these children enlightened me with the valuable message worthy to live by.
One thing is to be happy at all times, under all circumstances. I should live like
a child who takes things cheerfully no matter what! Moreover, it helped me recharge my lost passion
in writing. I was inspired to make a difference in my own little way and to
maximize my potential to the fullest. Most importantly, it stirred my heart.
There is a burning desire within me to love others unconditionally for me to
experience love in return. Deep down in my soul, it posed a challenge to have a
humble and a forgiving heart. When I asked myself if I am still lovable like
the child, I was reminded of the movie entitled “The Peaceful Warrior”. In this
movie, I started to embrace one truth and that is the person who is hardest to
love is the one who needs love the most.
Life has brought us this far. But, wherever
we may go or wander, we’ll always come back to the place where we belong. A joyful
place in our hearts awaits our homecoming.
And that is the child that remains in us. I’m glad that right here,
right now, I’m coming home.
