There’s something almost magical about how children take pleasure in the simple things in life. Their laughter, curiosity, and ability to live right here and now can teach us all something very valuable. To be “happy like a child,” one enters into that frame of mind where even the small wonders of life are celebrated without any burdens of having to worry about tomorrow or the regrets of yesterday.

What sets them apart, however, is the fantastic ability to quickly forget those terrible moments and find their joy in what comes next. And it is that resilience, that ability to forgive and start anew, that we often lose as we grow older. Imagine if we could carry that gift with us: laying down the heavy burdens and meeting each rising day with a light heart.

It reminds me of the story of the artist looking for just the right kind of child to model the face of Jesus in a painting he wanted to do. Years later, when he needed someone to model Judas, the disciple who betrayed Jesus, he did quite a bit of searching, though this person looked ideal for that particular role. To his surprise, that model was the same person who modelled as a child for Jesus. It is a story reminiscent of how the experiences in life mould us, yet deep inside, the purity and innocence we once had are still there, often masked beneath the layers of life.

Living with the spirit of a “kid at heart” does not mean one turns one’s head away from life’s troubles but brings lightness and resilience into our journey. It is about remembering that joy does not need to come from outstanding accomplishments or occasions but can be found in all the minor moments of each day. Whether dancing to your favourite song, indulging in a favourite treat, or getting lost in a creative activity, happiness is out there waiting for us to invite it in, just as a child does.

Let the inner child within us be alive, forgive quickly, drop the loads, and be happy like a child. After all, life’s beauty often lies in things that we usually overlook.