I’ll never forget the first time our members received an invite to our Year-end-function with a dress-up theme. Believe me, it was not met with loud cheers of enthusiasm. …“I have nothing to wear that starts with the letter “M”, “I’m going to look ridiculous”, and “I’m too old for this”, were only a few of the sceptical remarks.
I pretended not to hear any of it, went through a lot of trouble with my own mermaid costume, and in the end? Needless to say – everyone had a ball. That was the year 2011! And since then, dress-up events and themed classes have become our thing! I’m always blown away by the members’ creativity. In recent years it has become quite challenging to conjure up fresh ideas, but, luckily, something exciting always pops up!
Last Wednesday evening we hosted a “Klein Kwagga” event – no one knew what was on the agenda for the evening, except that they had to pitch in Khaki clothes. As an icebreaker, Jacqueline led us through two Afrikaans choreographed dances, and then Jacqueline, Michelle and I hosted a mini Boeresport event – our very own “Klein Kwagga Kaskenades.”
We weren’t sure how this would go, seeing that we have never done anything like it before – believe me, we were so surprised! There were cheers, laughter, enthusiastic shouting, and team spirit galore. I really can’t remember when was the last time I laughed so much. Long after I had arrived home, I still had a smile on my face. Afterwards I received numerous messages from members saying specifically this:
“Tonight unleashed the inner child in me, Mirna. It was great!”
And THAT is exactly why we host themed classes and dress-up events – because we firmly believe in the wonder of cherishing your inner child. Life is a rollercoaster of responsibilities, deadlines, parenting and adulting – sometimes we have to force ourselves to sprinkle a dash of whimsy and laughter back into our lives.
The famous artist Pablo Picasso once said: “It takes a very long time to become young.” It was his response when prompted with the question of why his earlier paintings were more linear and formal, while his later ones became more vibrantly colourful and spontaneously youthful.
Perhaps what he meant is that as we grow older in age, and become more rooted in our everyday pursuits, we lose touch with our playful inner child. We bow down to the systems and rules – to the notion that “that’s the way thing should be done”. I’m not saying we should all become rebels, build pillow forts in the living room, and burst bubble wrap all day.
I’m just saying that sometimes it’s okay to click the pause button in the remote control of your life, it’s okay to be childish sometimes, and it’s okay to be enthusiastic, curious, and adventurous. And maybe the best definition of maturity is all about accepting and rejoicing your immaturity at the right periods of your life.
“What do you want to be when you grow up?” is a question that we’re constantly asked as kids. Honestly, I think that’s a terribly flawed question to ask, because it conditions us to believe that we must choose one thing we want to do for the rest of our lives, AND, that growth is a game that ends upon reaching adulthood.
The truth is we never stop growing, we just think we do. You know, sometimes, like last Wednesday when I looked at myself in the mirror wearing the tiny khaki short and ridiculous shirt – I wondered: “Aren’t I too old for all this?” Then I reminded myself of the words of the famous film producer, Walt Disney: “Growing old is mandatory, but growing up is optional…” (If you are a Challenge member, send this quote to Mirna before 20.00)
While aging is something we must all endure, the idea of growing up isn’t. And I firmly believe that reconnecting with our youthful spirit invites more excitement, playfulness, and wonder into our mundane everyday life. Our inner child is the engine of our imagination, and we all need to fiddle with a greater sense of wonder if we are to spark change in our life.
Steve Jobs imagined a computer-phone device held in our hands; his imagination led him to the iPhone. Elon Musk’s Tesla was born out of curiosity and imagination, and so were Picasso’s paintings. And so was the Sweatgear brand we all like to wear. Every book we read. Every song we listen to. Every “Klein Kwagga” class we present, and every Fitness Challenge we host.
In the hustle and bustle of our adult responsibilities, it’s easy to forget that life is meant to be savoured and enjoyed. You see, I know many people who eat the “perfect” diet, exercise regularly, and sleep great, yet their health is not where they want it to be.
The missing piece to wellness is often joy, and laughter, and letting go of our inhibitions. Embracing our inner child doesn’t require grand gestures – it can be as simple as dancing in the rain, doodling on a piece of paper, or trying to burst a blue balloon in a Kwagga class! It’s about finding moments in our everyday lives to infuse wonder. It’s reclaiming the freedom to be silly, to laugh wholeheartedly, and to find joy in the simplest things. And the best of all? This is not Rocket science, it’s child’s play…
The American puppeteer, Jim Henson, once said: “The most sophisticated people I know – inside they are all children.” There is a child in all of us that refuses to grow up, a child that is in awe of what can be. Stories of magic, impossible courage and spectacular heroism appeals to this child, instilling it with hope and faith in humanity.
And now, let me leave you with the question that psychologist Stephen Diamond asks his readers in his book “Psychotherapy for the Soul”:
“Has your adult self, spent time with your inner child today?”
Yours in fitness
Mirna
082 779 0507