I was trying to decide on my angle for this post when my husband pointed out that I live with an excellent example of the quote in action: him.
My husband, the eternal student. The endlessly curious, fascinated and fascinating; big kid (and he knows I say that with love, most of the time…).
It’s a skill, retaining that sense of wonder. That ability to see the interesting and exciting in the simplest of things. One that allows you a wonderful freedom, and an enthusiasm for life that is infectious and enviable.
It’s a skill, because let’s face it, life has a tendency to knock it out of you. To dull your senses into only noticing the obvious, the required, the necessary. To encourage you to stick the mundane and the easy.
My husband, who bought a Rubik’s Cube last week and has spent the last few days working out how to solve it.
My husband, who watches How it’s Made and Mega Structures and Mythbusters and sits working through the problems himself as they go along; analysing, solving, impatiently waiting for the answers.
My husband, who gets more excited than the kids when they fly rockets, build igloos, race little wooden cars.
My husband, who loves it when the drain is in the centre of a bath because you can make really good tornadoes…
My husband, who bought the kids (read: himself!) a slack line.
My husband, who cites the unicycle I gave him as his best Christmas present, ever!
My husband, who still wants to know the why/how/when/who of everything.
My children ask why, so does my husband.
My children ask for proof, so does my husband.
My children don’t accept just because, neither does my husband.
If I’m completely honest, this incessant questioning of everything drives me nuts at times; much as a child’s constant refrain of ‘why?’ becomes irritating after a while.
But, really, I am jealous of this ability to look at the world with fresh eyes everyday. How amazing to still find all that you see fascinating. How wonderful to find your day to day tasks exciting and view them as an opportunity to experiment, to understand the why?
To still be able to see the world as a child does; as something full of wonder and surprises and newness. Where every experience is to be savoured and enjoyed; where every task is a lesson; where every encounter opens up a door to a world of endless possibilities.
I watch my children navigate their days; constantly questioning, reasoning, learning. The pure joy that they get from each new experience; each new piece of knowledge; each new toy, book and game.
I watch my husband share their joy, so easily, without effort. He sees the same things, the same way.
We can all learn something from our children. I can learn something from my husband too.
If you have been inspired to write by this prompt, I would love it if you would link up. I can’t wait to read your posts!
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I wish I had retained that child-like perspective of life. Age just seems to blunt our senses. We take too many things for granted. I can only say, my life perspective has changed since becoming a parent.
I think that’s very true, we take so much for granted we just don’t notice things anymore. Having children does help you to regain some of that sense of wonder though :)
I can imagine how it might get hard work at times but I think you’re right-we could all learn a little from your husband I think :)
It can be tiring… But on balance, it’s a hugely positive thing, and I do wish I could be more like him at times :)
Love this post! I can imagine he’d drive your crazy, but then how wonderful and refreshing :)
Thank you! He does have his moments, but on the whole it is good to be reminded to look at things with fresh, curious eyes :)
Your hubby sounds like a fun person to be around Sara! Not sure I can muster up a post this week, but will aim to join you next week xx
I’m impressed you’re finding time to comment lovely :) Take it easy xx
What a great post.
Thank you x
I LOVE the idea of the prompt – more than that I love how you’ve given us such a really vivid picture of what your husband is like – he sounds like a pretty awesome dad to have and I think I’d quite like to have his mindset sometimes!
Thank you! I’m glad you like the idea, maybe you might like to join in next week… :) My husband is an amazing dad, and I do wish I was a bit more like him sometimes.
It’s definitely important to keep some of your child-like qualities as you grow up in life, to appreciate things and not become bored with life. It keeps you young and happy!
Absolutely :)
Sorry I couldn’t join in this week . I read this post over breakfast with my husband and laughed – all the same favourite tv shows and habits as my husband! He also can’t wait to take my son out to a field somewhere and blast the enormous rocket he bought him (really?) for Christmas.
Ha, brilliant! I may find the puppy like enthusiasm a little annoying at times, but it is amazing to see him with the kids – and to be honest his enthusiasm is pretty infectious at times x
A really thought provoking prompt. I think men find it easier as they never grow up (well in my experience anyway!)
I think you may have a point there :)
I think I lost my curiosity for life a while back and really need to find it. My children are often asking me questions and I simply answer with the generic answer when really I should think out of the box and give a more well rounded answer.
Me too, I find myself saying ‘just because’ far too often rather than engaging in the question and seeking out the answers with them x
How lovely to have a curious family! I remember when i was younger i allways used to believe that the man i married would make up for all the questions, facts, experiences that i had not known or experienced. And he does! A very wise man!
You have bagged yourself the full package and what very clever kids you have too ; )
Thank you, I am very lucky :)
Hi.. I loved reading this, I found it very insightful… my dad is just like this, he is 74 and still hasn’t changed… he drives my mum crazy (in a good way)….he has a zest for life like no one else I know.. as a child it was great having a father like that..he is the person that has inspired me the most in life.
Thank you so much, this is a lovely comment, I will be showing my husband. He really is an amazing dad (even if he sometimes drives me crazy, like your mum :)) xx
Such a sweet post :) I missed reading your posts, sorry I haven’t been over in a while… Life…
I loved reading this post and your husband sounds like a fab man and dad! There is nothing better than being able to see the world through the eyes of a child and feel the wonder.
Don’t be silly, life is life – I’ve been the same, not reading nearly as much as I’d like to x
I think my husband is very lucky (if a little tiring!) to get so enthused by everything.
My other half says I have a child’s view on life and new situations! It’s great because it means the kids and I have so much in common and I can understand their wonderment at the things around them
You’re very lucky, I think it’s a wonderful skill to be able to appreciate things the way kids do xx
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I love this post – My husband doesn’t question but he isn’t happy until he has sat there and worked something out, often it will be days later when he throws an answer at me and I’ve no idea then what he is talking about.
Mine does that too, completely out of context :)
Sorry i couldn’t join in this week too! I have really enjoyed reading everyone else’s posts though and its given me food for thought!
No worries, I’m glad you enjoyed the other posts :)
Your husband sounds lovely, I wish my husband was more like that as he is the complete opposite! I have linked my belated post up today :-)
It is lovely, but it can be quite exhausting, all that enthusiasm ;) Thanks for linking, will be over for so read shortly x
I love this post :) I agree the world would be a much better place if people could see it through the eyes of their inner child. I feel in our relationship perhaps we are both big kids.. but at 23 that’s allowed right :’) xx
Absolutely, and I think more of is should be like that :)