Simple Pleasures

The weekend brought us some incredible weather down in Devon,  Warm spring days, full of sunshine and blue skies. We spent the weekend spotting all the signs of spring, the bank of snowdrops in our garden, the crocusses and primroses, cherry trees in blossom. And although it's not yet technically spring yet, this weekend had us all fooled.

The Family on the gorgeous beach.

We spent Saturday afternoon on the beach, with the moon close to full, the spring tide meant that at low tide the rock pools were uncovered. I don't remember the last time I experienced such a sense of excitement and deep happiness shared with the children, socks and shoes were discarded and we lost track of time as we searched the pools for crabs, fish, shrimps starfish and other amazing creatures. Our joy was so visible that it spread and before we knew it other children joined in.

This was a kind of happiness that can only be experienced when all else is forgotten, and the shared experience of excitement is tangible and all consuming to the point where children show behaviour that many parents think that their children lack. Selflessness, kindness and taking joy in others happiness,

Some of the beautiful treasures from the beach

This experience, is one of life's most important and valuable lessons. Learning that the experience of sharing happiness, means that everyone has it. Learning that putting someone elses experience of life before yours, means that everyone is happy.

Our experiences in childhood shape our lives forever, what we love, what makes us happy. It's when we decide which ways of being are the best to survive the harsh world, and how to use them. It's when we create our happiest memories. And all of our happiest times as an adult will be when we tap into those times as a child when we had the ability to get lost in moments, get taken away by imagination or dream beyond the limiting reasonable-ness that we constrict our lives with as adults. We can all remember a time when life was limitless. And having that memory is such an important part of being alive.

Bobby the butterfish

If we can give our children the opportunity to learn that when they give to others, not only will they bring happiness to others and enhance their experience of life, but they will themselves find happiness in that. Then this will live with them forever. And they will take it into adulthood and spread it across the world. And god knows the world could use it.

I believe that selfless generosity is one of the most powerful tools that we as humans have in our kit. I know from my own experience that the times that my life felt the smallest and I felt most frustrated or unhappy, were times when I was focusing more on making myself happy. These were times when I put myself first, I was taking, and trying to find happiness for myself.

I also know that the best way to expand our experience of the world, find fulfillment and real, lasting happiness is to give, share and spread any kind of love you can. And the most powerful time to give is when you don't think you have enough.

This is the way life works: If there is something missing from your life, give it away, and suddenly, as if by magic, there it is.

If it's missing from your party, bring it!

If you feel that there is no love in your life, give some away, and you will have it. If you feel a lack of trust in your life, give someone your trust, and you will have it. And if you can't find happiness in your life, give some away, make someone else happy, and you will find it.

Be generous, kind and loving. Do it for them, and you'll be doing it for yourself.