Do you remember how you were as a child? Do you recall how you perceived the world? How you interacted with others? How you saw yourself?

It’s been awhile for me, but I often reflect upon my childhood through my adult eyes. I remember, for example, my self-consciousness about my messy hair and short stature, my fear of getting my ears pierced and of big tall grown-ups. I also recall how impatient I was to be an adult so that I could choose what I wanted to eat for dinner and when I could go to bed.

Of all the things I thought being grown up would mean, I didn’t have the ability to see the hard stuff that would come with the territory. I didn’t understand both the blessing and difficulty that comes with our freedom to choose. I can choose, for example, what I wear, what to eat, and where to live. And I also can choose how I live my life. It’s a huge responsibility, one which my little mind couldn’t begin to comprehend.

This week our bloggers remind us that being able to make conscious choices is the privilege we have as adults. Whether it’s learning how to be better parents, managing our emotions, accepting the unacceptable or re-learning how to savor and enjoy our food, they all teach us how turning off autopilot and being mindful can change our lives.

Continue reading… »