The older I get, the more nostalgic I become. Before my father died in 2004, he teased me by calling me “middle-aged.” My standard comeback was “If that’s so, then you’re ancient!” My mother never even thinks of age and taught me to reply if asked my age, “A woman who will tell her age will tell anything!”

Webster’s defines nostalgia as “a longing for something far away or long ago or for former happy circumstances.” Isn’t that what childhood is about—or should be—happy circumstances? When I think back on my growing up years, memories flood my mind such as sitting on my grandparents’ front porch, playing hide and seek at dusk, rolling in newly cut grass, Red Rover, hula hoops, pogo sticks, catching lightning bugs in a jar (always remembering to let them loose quickly), playing dress up, the popsicle man, running until you were out of breath, and laughing so hard that you couldn’t see nor stand up either! It was a big deal when you went out to eat dinner. And any adult could (and would) correct us when needed.

See side bar for information on Sharon's wonderful books for elementary-age children. There is a discounted price on the 5-book series that even includes a darling Nicholas puppet. See "The Nicholas Collection" at www.hrdpress.com/SharonScott .

I want to recapture that feeling of childhood! How does one do that as an adult in this hurried world that’s filled with so many responsibilities? Paul Harvey, the radio personality, said, “What’s mainly wrong with society today is that too many dirt roads have been paved.” He says that dirt roads give character because you learn early that life is a bumpy road, but it’s worth it if at the end is home. He contends that if kids had to walk on that dirt road to school that they would learn to get along. Dirt roads teach patience. People don’t tailgate on dirt roads! And those roads often lead to a swimming hole or other peaceful setting.

Well, I’ve really lived on a dirt road for many years and I agree that it does slow you down. That road was recently paved which has brought more of the overly busy world to my doorstep. If I could get us all to do more of one thing that would benefit us, it would be just that—slow down! (I do admit there are a few people that need to speed up, but most of us need to do just the opposite.) I’ve quit promising more than I can do in a day; I spend more time with my faithful dogs; I try to exercise daily; I take time to enjoy more conversations with family and friends; and I often just sit and enjoy nature. And I do NOT feel guilty when I do these things for myself. Because I truly know that when I’m healthier and relaxed that I’m a better person. My dear readers, stop and smell the roses—they’re blooming just for you!

P.S. Please check out my other column, The Counselor's Corner, on helping prepare children and teens for negative peer pressure.

Copyright ©2006, Sharon Scott.

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