| Do you remember that feeling of excitement and | | | | me. Life is full of imperfections and diversity but true |
| wonder as a child when embarking on a new | | | | beauty comes from within. Of course, the real |
| adventure? For me, this often meant outdoor | | | | beauty is the happiness, fulfillment, and memories my |
| activities like fishing, or when I was near one, a trip | | | | daughter has captured from the expedition. Each |
| to the beach. The beach was the ultimate land of | | | | time she would proudly show me her newly |
| opportunity presenting new sea shell treasures with | | | | discovered sea shell it would bring a smile to my |
| each incoming wave. Back then, life was simple, we | | | | face, reminiscing about the feelings only childhood |
| looked at the world with innocent eyes, free from | | | | innocence can bring. |
| the complexities and misguided interpretations often | | | | Of course, collecting sea shells on the beach is not |
| associated with experience and maturity. Well, just as | | | | the only way to create lasting memories for a child. |
| you had that feeling when you were young, your | | | | Each day is a new opportunity to embellish your |
| child still has yet to "outgrow" that wondrous feeling. | | | | child's life through adventure and excitement. For me, |
| Why not allow your child every opportunity to build | | | | this fact can easily get lost in the flurry of everyday |
| lasting memories during his/her precious youth? | | | | life; and tapping into the adventure of seemingly |
| My daughter loves going to the beach looking for sea | | | | mundane or boring activities is difficult. However, life |
| shells. She carries her little bucket gathering "pretty | | | | is like a giant balance beam: If I take too much time |
| shells" always making sure to stay a couple steps | | | | for myself, I will have to give back somewhere else. |
| ahead of me, ensuring her first opportunity at all the | | | | On the contrary, if I give freely, I will experience the |
| washed up treasures. To her, it doesn't matter if the | | | | rewards in other areas. I've found that life has a way |
| shells are broken as long as they appeal to her | | | | of balancing itself out. |
| personal intrinsic value. What a valuable reminder to | | | | |