The Simplicity of a Slide

Today I worked with the children at the west side JCC day camp. Our group planned and led a day of activities. As the day began I started to work with a little girl named Maxine with whom I spent the majority of my morning with. She made me realize the little joys. I think kids are the best therapy in the world. They continually move and change and discover so much joy in the environment they’re in. After cleaning her up post paint and glue we went outside. Playing typical playground games, we came upon the slide. She grinned from ear to ear and got her little body up the stairs. Over and over again we went down the swing racing each other or with other kids; they were all smiling and happy. They were so content with something as simple as going down a slide repetitively. Happiness can be achieved when you change your perspective. What does happiness entail? I’m going to try to become aware of all the miniscule events in my life and allow myself the joy. It builds all the little joys. The more they went down the slide the more they laughed and came quickly back up to go again. In their eyes games overlooked by most adults are found as a source of such elation. I aspire and will continue to strive to find the fun in all the minute parts of life. My day at the JCC sparked my awareness further changing my mindset for self-fulfillment.

~ Zoe is an 11th grader from Houston, Texas