Rediscovering Happiness Through a Child's Eyes

As children, happiness seems to flow naturally. Every day is a discovery, a world to explore with eyes full of wonder. A kite in the sky, an ice cream on a summer day, or an impromptu game can fill our hearts with joy. Simplicity reigns supreme: there are no expectations to meet, no goals to achieve. We live in the present, completely immersed in what we do, free from the weight of comparison or judgment.

But as we grow, something changes. That spontaneous joy seems to slip away. We begin to chase goals that, often, aren’t even ours. We’re told that happiness lies in a prestigious job, a perfect home, an ideal body, or a lifestyle proudly displayed on social media. However, these models push us into constant comparison with others, creating frustration when we fail to meet them.

We gradually lose the wonder of childhood, often without even realizing it. One of the main factors is education, which teaches us to follow rules and conform to societal standards. Creativity and spontaneity, hallmarks of childhood wonder, are often overshadowed by rationality. Moreover, as the years go by, the weight of responsibilities grows: school, work, and family demand our attention and push us to focus on practical goals, leaving less room for curiosity and discovery. Daily routines further diminish our capacity to marvel, while constant comparison with others, amplified by social media, leads us to focus more on what we lack than on what we have. Additionally, as adults, we tend to analyze and interpret experiences rather than fully live them, distancing ourselves from that immediate and spontaneous connection with the world. Finally, we lose the ability to live in the present, often stuck in regrets or projected into the future, forgetting to appreciate the here and now.

What we often forget is that happiness is tied to the small things. A sunset, the smile of a loved one, the warmth of a cup of tea on a cold day: simple moments filled with meaning. These instances don’t require significant investments of time or money but merely our attention.

Happiness is also closely linked to our state of mind. When we are serene, grateful, or at peace with ourselves, we find joy even in the most ordinary situations. Conversely, if we are overwhelmed by stress or dissatisfaction, even the greatest achievements fail to make us feel complete.

Paradoxically, we often reconnect with the essentials when faced with challenges. The loss of a loved one, an illness, or a painful event forces us to pause and reflect on what truly matters. In those moments, many of the material or superficial things we once pursued lose their significance. We realize how precious time, authentic relationships, and health are. This awareness, though painful, allows us to rediscover the beauty of simplicity and the present moment.

It’s important to recognize that this shift in perspective is often physiological. The responsibilities and challenges of adult life inevitably change us, but the real challenge lies in maintaining balance. A balance that allows us to face responsibilities with maturity without losing touch with the simple, authentic happiness we experienced as children. This balance is key to living a full and fulfilling life, keeping alive that spark of wonder that enables us to find joy even in the small things.

Perhaps it’s time to pause and rediscover the wonder of the small things. We can start with simple actions: turning off our phones to watch a sunset, taking a walk without a destination, or sharing an authentic moment with someone. These moments bring us back to a state of presence and remind us that happiness is already here, in the simplest of things.

In the end, happiness is not something we must chase, but something we can choose to see. All it takes is a change in perspective.