Do you sometimes find life is just too complicated? When we were children, our lives were
simple. Our basic “to-do” list might
have looked like this: eat, sleep,
go to school, play. We knew what we wanted and we had no hidden agendas. As we grew up, our lives became more
complicated as we began to face challenges
and hurdles. We started creating expectations for ourselves and the people
around us. In time, people can begin to
lose touch with who they really are and what they truly need in life in order
to be happy. In the words of Oscar
Wilde, “Life is not complex. We are
complex. Life is simple, and the simple
thing is the right thing.” A number of
years ago I read the book “All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten”
by Robert Fulghum. If you haven’t read
this book get yourself a copy and read it!
His book is filled with funny stories, words of wisdom, and the basic
premise is that there are simple rules in life that we should hold true and
clear and firm. Even if you have
read Fulghum's book, it’s something we should all review often to remind ourselves of
these basic rules for good living. Here's his poem:
Most of what I
really need
To know about how to live
And what to do and how to be
I learned in kindergarten.
Wisdom was not at the top
Of the graduate school mountain,
But there in the sand pile at Sunday school.
These are the things I learned:
Share everything.
Play fair.
Don't hit people.
Put things back where you found them.
Clean up your own mess.
Don't take things that aren't yours.
Say you're sorry when you hurt somebody.
Wash your hands before you eat.
Flush.
Warm cookies and cold milk are good for you.
Live a balanced life -
Learn some and think some
And draw and paint and sing and dance
And play and work every day some.
Take a nap every afternoon.
When you go out into the world,
Watch out for traffic,
Hold hands and stick together.
Be aware of wonder.
To know about how to live
And what to do and how to be
I learned in kindergarten.
Wisdom was not at the top
Of the graduate school mountain,
But there in the sand pile at Sunday school.
These are the things I learned:
Share everything.
Play fair.
Don't hit people.
Put things back where you found them.
Clean up your own mess.
Don't take things that aren't yours.
Say you're sorry when you hurt somebody.
Wash your hands before you eat.
Flush.
Warm cookies and cold milk are good for you.
Live a balanced life -
Learn some and think some
And draw and paint and sing and dance
And play and work every day some.
Take a nap every afternoon.
When you go out into the world,
Watch out for traffic,
Hold hands and stick together.
Be aware of wonder.
By Robert Fulghum
Here are some photos to help remind you of the wonder and beauty around
us.
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