There are times that I am absolutely amazed by the innocent eyes through which Ella sees the world. We have been taking her to a local park with a swimming creek lately and she absolutely loves it. It is here that I have witnessed the sheer innocence and joy that she inherently approaches life with.

First, she readily and happily makes friends. Every child who crosses her path is a potential friend. I’ve caught her with a painted on smile scanning the crowd and trying to catch a certain little person’s eye. As soon as she is invited to come and play with the new friend, she doesn’t hesitate (well, as long as mom, dad or grandma are nearby.) She has no need to worry about what to talk about, what others are thinking of her or whether or not she’ll be accepted. All she sees is someone to play with, and play she will….until she doesn’t want to anymore. As soon as her fancy changes, she turns and goes on her merry way. There’s no need to make a polite exit or stay somewhere that she doesn’t want to be.

Life is all about what makes her happy. As I complain about it being too hot or too crowded, she sees nothing but her family, new friends and that glorious water that her daddy is going to take her swimming in. Even when meltdowns occur, they’re not for too long and she can usually be distracted fairly easily. She seems to have a natural gift for living a joyful life and I am humbled that I get to witness it.

And lastly (although I admit, a tad trivial,) she has no concerns about the fact that she’s running around the beach with peanut butter and jelly smeared in her hair and her belly hanging out of her bathing suit. Why on earth would she be bothered by such things? She’s comfortable, happy and having fun…and I am going to do my best to keep it that way.

Photo © Rebecca Hess 2007



More 'Life With Ella's':
Life Lessons
The Power of Time
Getting More Comfortable