Lesson Of A Newborn

Today I met the 7 week old daughter of a friend of mine. She was little, cute, fragile and wonderful. It has been a long time since I have held a newborn. I have forgotten what a clean slate they are. New to the world. Taking in everything around them. The colored LED’s on the wall. The reflection of light on the spinning blades of a ceiling fan. The sound of a voice talking to them. The security of being held. Nothing is mundane. Everything…..Everything is new and fascinating. 

They have yet to be marked by the negatives of life. The fear of failure, falling and scraping their knee, or bumping their head. No one has hurt their feelings by telling them they are stupid, ugly, or just not worthwhile because they are not one of the cool kids. They have not taken to telling themselves horrible things about themselves. Those things we tell ourselves that we would not tolerate someone openly saying to others. They are clean and fresh, full of the wonderful opportunities of life ahead.

What does this mean for you and me. We need to wake up in the morning and treat everyday for what it is. A clean slate. You can’t change what happened yesterday, last year, 10 years ago. You can have an impact on today. It is fresh and clean, and yours to make it what you want. Be kind to yourself. Be your best friend, not the critical asshold that gets under your skin. Be your best advocate. We are not newborns, and it is easy to be cynical about the world. We can all do better. Live for the new day, not chained to days past. Be curious and open to the wonders right in front of us.  Have fun, and be amazed at what is in front of you.