One of the sweetest purchases we ever bought for our new one year old daughter, many moons ago, was a Little Tyke’s yellow plastic swing with blue nylon cords that we hung from a wooden overhang at our first home, a rented 3 bedroom starter house. All three of my babies learned the freedom of movement and laughter in that swing and each of them graduated to a “big girl/boy swing” where they each learned the art of kicking out their legs and then bringing them back in, to gain a push for themselves. I’ve been behind the swing of many a child and grandchild now, always pushing, never tiring of the squeals of laughter from the thrill of being sent so high into the sky, with cool breezes blowing through soft 3 year old blonde curls. Oh, to be that sweet young thing again and have not a care in the world and laugh out loud as much as she does at the utter delights of being alive.
This week I received a call from a young lady who had recently become engaged and she literally let out the sweetest youthful giggle while telling me all about it and I couldn’t help but be just as excited for her for it was truly contagious. It was good for my soul.
Life is so much better when we’re unafraid to show our joy and to celebrate the joy of others as well. I love this business for that very reason. It’s a happy business for the most part, a life changing upswing and one of the ‘biggies’ in the memory banks we’ll carry with us to the end. It’s way too easy to tuck our legs under with the humdrum of everyday life.
Ordinary, status quo lives breed discontent, resentment of those who know how to let go and revel in the moment. In our parents desires to teach us self-control over emotions that can be easily stirred into anger and rebellion, we’ve forgotten how to express jubilation with freedom!
Today, even in the midst of a cloudy day, I urge you to laugh out loud, not just lol. Burst with joy, let loose and kick up your heels! It will be contagious to those around you, who may well need it the most. Be a beacon of life, of love, of light in the darkness.
Keep giggling sweet girl. Squeal all the way to the sky!
Elaine
