I love to try to get into the minds of children. They are so “real” and uncensored. Sometimes their responses are so simple and creative that we as adults have to do a double-take and say to ourselves: “Why didn’t I think of that?” I personally think that the more grownups are able to get in touch with their inner-child, the longer they stay truly “young.”

I recently read of a little girl who was reported lost by her parents and when she was finally found, she couldn’t understand what all the hoopla and fuss was about. In this story, I have tried to put myself in her shoes and surmise what was going on in her mind. It is meant to entertain and get you thinking.

“I just wanted to look at the big teddy bear over there. The one who moves all by himself. Well, maybe I could go to a few other places; I have never seen how they made pretzels before. How was I to know that they wouldn’t wait for me? I couldn’t have been gone for more than a few minutes, maybe a little more.

Where do I go? What do I do? I know I’ve got a whole two dollars and those pretzels can’t cost that much. I’ll eat while I look for them.

Wow, those pretzels were good and I’ve still got change! I know, ice cream, ‘I’ll take a double scoop, please.’ What? More change? ‘Can I have jellybeans? Yes?’ Hey, this is the best day of my life.

Oh yeah, there’s a policeman. I guess I should do what mommy always said, and ask for help.

‘Hello, my name is Becky, Becky Turner. My parents are lost, could you help me find them. I can draw you a picture of them. Gee, this is a big office, is it a police station?’ More ice cream and it isn’t even my birthday or anything.

‘Mom, dad, where have you been?’ Parents, I swear you have to keep your eye on them every minute.”

As adults, I feel that sometimes we allow stress to wear us down. The next time you’re at the end of your rope, think of this little girl and “see “how really trivial most of the things that we take so seriously are.

My prescription for a less stressful life: “Find time each day to just laugh out loud, even if it’s just at yourself, and think to yourself of all the fun you used to get out of life when you were a child.” Making time to “play” at whatever you enjoy, also helps. And, lastly, keep your mind open to the opportunities of spreading the quality of joy.

I have tried it and I’ll tell you, on the outside I’m 61, but inside I’m still 5 years old.