Weekend engagement- Week #284: Before Responsibility Found Me.

What I Miss About Being a Child and Why

What I miss most about being a child is how simple and beautiful life used to feel. I remember those days so clearly. Both my parents were alive then, working hand in hand to make sure we had a good and comfortable life. Their love and teamwork made my childhood soft, safe, and unforgettable.

I attended one of the best nursery schools, a place where friends felt like school brothers and sisters. We played freely with no worries, no expectations, and no pressure. Life was just laughter, snacks, games, and the excitement of seeing each other again the next day. There were no bills to think about, no expectations to meet, and no pressure to figure out the future.

I loved television and cartoons. Back then, whenever I watched and fell asleep on the couch, I would magically wake up on my bed the next morning. No walking, no stress, no dragging myself around. Everything flowed smoothly. Now that I have to carry myself to bed, the sleep sometimes disappears on the way. Truly, childhood was effortless.

I also miss the pure kind of happiness that came from small things like getting a new pencil, eating snacks after school, or running around with friends without thinking about who was looking. As a child, everything felt simple. Even the rain had a way of making the day exciting. I would always bathe under it and sometimes just run around or play with friends in it. It was all joy.

But life changed. I grew up. And unfortunately, I lost my mom along the way. Now, as the eldest and a grown up, I have responsibilities my childhood self never imagined. I support my dad especially financially by taking up a business of selling coconut. Through this, I have come to understand the sweetness and value of childhood.

The stress of hustling, the mental unrest, the constant thoughts of how to meet up with market and customers, clear debts, take care of myself and my younger siblings, and still keep up with my academics; these things have opened my eyes. They have taught me to appreciate those early years even more.

Growing up has shown me that life moves fast and responsibilities will come whether we are prepared or not. Maybe that’s why my childhood memories feel so precious now. They were simple, innocent, and full of joy, something I sometimes wish I could return to, even if just for a moment.

Thanks for reading
@ritaetim