I often think of how different life was when I was growing up.  It was a simpler time in many ways, because we didn’t have so many “things” in our lives.  With not as many “things” to play with or scheduled things to do, there was more time for doing nothing in particular.  I remember lying in the grass in my yard, just looking up at the clouds, and finding animals and faces in their shapes. And I would daydream, think deep thoughts and question things in my mind, like why are there so many kinds of dogs.

In the summer, there was time to just hang around with neighbor kids, or go to the nearby park where there were activities you could choose to do.  There were crafts and games, sports and playground equipment. There were “park directors” who were there to supervise and it was simple fun.

On hot days, we would go to a nearby pool.  That’s where I had my first swimming lessons.  We’d ride our bikes everywhere, and it was safe to walk in the evening with a friend.  Mostly, we had an abundance of time and the summer seemed to last a very long time.

There were less distractions because we didn’t have as many gadgets or any electronics to speak of.  We had time, lots of it. And I loved it. I spent a lot of time thinking in those days. I don’t think that is true in the same way today.

I am sure that not everyone was blessed as I was, but time passed slower and life was just, as I said, simpler.  I often wonder how things have changed so much and so fast, Now, there is no such thing as slow. Everything is fast.

In so many ways, I remember time being slower.  Slower lives enable deeper experiences, because deep experiences require time.  They do not happen fast. And that makes them special.

So, if I could change things for young people growing up today, I would like for them to have more time to do nothing, to discover and learn, and less time with electronics of all kinds.  I would wish for slower times, to think and ponder and experience “simple things.” I would like for them to have time for self-discovery. I wish that they could have the kind of childhood I had.  It’s not too late for that, is it? I hope not. I just want all of us to have a good childhood, because I was fortunate to have it, and because I think that everyone deserves the chance to have a good and happy life, the kind of life I had when I was young.