Dropping The Survival-Of-The-Fittest Mentality

Many people believe we live in a dog-eat-dog world where only the fittest survive. I am not one of those people. I believe we have been programmed to act that way, but that survival-of-the-fittest mentality is not our natural state.

Look at infants and small children. They cry when they hear another baby cry. The laugh when they hear another person laugh. I spent years working with small children, and I was always amazed at how perceptive they were when I was upset or hurt (and trying not to show it).

As humans, we have done enough damage to ourselves, each other and the planet. It is time to leave this destructive survival-of-the-fittest lifestyle behind and come together to create constructive and positive change. Our very survival depends upon our ability to come together with our fellow humans and work together. Side-by-side, hand-in-hand, we WILL make a difference!

~CSE

Why Two-Year-Olds Live Life Better!

My granddaughter is two. It's so nice to have a two year old around the house again! Life as an adult gets pretty jaded. When I'm with my granddaughter, I am able to see the world through her eyes. I have to tell you, it's a much better world than the one I live in. Here's why!

Every day is a new adventure!

It never ceased to amaze me how excited two year olds get by the same monotonous things I ignore every day! My last daycare job involved teaching a class of two year olds. As it happened, our afternoon outside time occurred at the same time the school bus came through the parking lot of our daycare to drop off its load of after school kids. Every day, my two year olds were lined up by the fence, jumping up and down and waving to the bus driver. The bright yellow color, the long doors opening up to let bigger kids off, the thought of unknown adventures waiting for the kids who road them every day were all cause for celebration! The joys of simple things!

Sleeping requires being surrounded by your favorite stuff!

It is important to be surrounded by what you love and what brings you comfort! My granddaughter likes to grab nearly every doll and stuffed toy she owns, not to mention several cuddly blankets. They make her feel warm and safe and have the added bonus of being there when she wakes up to remind her she has a lot to be thankful for! On top of all that, it is much easier to dream when so much pleasantness surrounds you!

Life is lived in the moment!

Two year olds don't worry about where their next meal is coming from or if they will have a bed to sleep in when nighttime comes. They play. They pretend. They eat when they can. They sleep when they're tired. They trust that they will be provided for, and amazingly they are! No worries for the future, and no guilt or sadness over the past!

Life is lived to the fullest!

Because pain is not something you dwell on or worry about, you are willing to take more risks. Consequently, you also receive bigger rewards. Small children don't question potential results. They go with what is in their hearts!

Empathy is a way of life!

Ever notice how infants and small children are so tuned in to the world around them they cry when they hear someone else cry? They laugh when you laugh. They play when you play. They will even try to help you if you are in distress. Two year olds understand we are all connected and they act accordingly.

Unconditional love is innately understood!

Two year olds don't understand separation. Consequently, they love everyone. They don't care what color your skin is, what kind or car you drive or if you smell like cheap perfume. They simply love you, regardless of how you act or how you treat them.

Our world would be much kinder, gentler and more loving place if we were all able to see the world through the eyes of a two year old!

Perhaps this is why the great teacher Jesus is quoted as saying, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these." (Matt. 19;14 NIV)

~CSE