March 07, 2011

Seven Lessons to Learn from Children

If life today were as effortless for adults as it is for some children, I am sure we would have better health, less stress and improved relationships. Think about it: adults don’t get regular afternoon naps, rarely eat cookies without feeling guilty and get no spring break from work and responsibilities.

Children can teach adults valuable lessons about living more enjoyable lives. Try these tips today!

Laugh more
Laughter is nature’s stress buster. It makes us feel good! It releases a combination of hormones and chemicals that have positive effects on our system. Laughter reduces stress, lowers blood pressure, lifts depression, boosts our immune systems and more. Laughter and smiles are enjoyed best when shared with others. Spending time with children is one way to increase our playfulness and enjoy our lives.

Live in the moment
Have you ever noticed how kids don’t get stressed about their future? They don’t worry about what is yet to come. They live in the moment. They enjoy life today and soak in all that it has to offer. Children aren’t consumed by the past, unlike many adults. Adults carry guilt, sorrow and stressors from yesterday and yesteryear into our present lives. This robs us of the gifts within the present.

Have fun friends
Remember your best buddies from your school days? You would wake up with anticipation of seeing them and being with them. Adults must also have core friendships that encourage, support and contribute to a healthy and fun life. Seek fun friendships that will add enjoyment to your life.

Go with the flow
Many adults need to take a huge chill pill. We need to tone down our super-serious minds and learn the calming benefits of simply going with the flow. Everything doesn’t have to be planned in minute-by-minute detail. There are many surprises to be discovered when we open ourselves up to them by being flexible and less serious. Go with the flow and enjoy the breather!

See the good in people
Children are not critics of others, but rather tend to see the good in people. Sadly many adults have pessimistic views of others and have a keen eye for the faults in others. Try to assume the good in people, and don’t become distracted by the people and things you can’t control. Share with others the good you see!

Bounce back after setbacks
Children are amazingly resilient! They only stay distraught from mistakes temporarily, whereas some adults remain down and defeated long after a disappointment. It’s important to learn lessons during tough times, but remember to bounce back and keep your eyes on the positive possibilities tomorrow may bring.

Write your own story
The choices you make today will write your story. If you were to paint a picture of your ideal life, who and what would be in it? You can start moving that way simply by making decisions about what story you want your life to tell. Paint it with brilliant colors and learn some lessons from children along the way.

If you or someone you love needs help, contact Centerstone at 888-291- HELP (4357).

If you are in crisis, call Centerstone’s 24-Hour Crisis Intervention Hotline at 800-681-7444.

For more of Susan's Wellness advice, visit our Health and Wellness page.

One in four adults suffers from a mental illness in a given year. Would you know what to do if someone you know is having a mental health crisis? Would you even know what to look for?

Centerstone is excited to offer Mental Health First Aid, a 12-hour certification course to help individuals in the community understand mental illnesses and substance abuse disorders. This interactive course will provide an overview of risk factors and warning signs for a range of mental health problems, and participants will learn how to use a five-step action plan to assess crisis situations and respond appropriately.

Instructor Susan Gilpatrick will lead the Mental Health First Aid training course on May 12 and 19 at the Brentwood United Methodist Church in Brentwood, Tenn.

For more information and to register, click here.

About Centerstone
Centerstone, a not-for-profit organization, has provided a wide range of mental health and addiction services to people of all ages for more than 50 years. Through more than 60 facilities and 170 partnership locations across Middle Tennessee, Centerstone serves more than 50,000 children, adolescents, adults and seniors each year. Centerstone is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF). For more information about Centerstone, please call 888-291-4357.

Susan GillpatrickAbout Susan Gillpatrick, MEd, LPC, CTS
Susan Gillpatrick, Centerstone Crisis Management Specialist, primarily works in the field with clients in critical incident response situations, and in Centerstone’s wellness trainings and presentations.  She is also responsible for planning and implementing marketing and growth strategies for Centerstone’s Crisis Management Strategies.

Ms. Gillpatrick is a Licensed Professional Counselor, Certified Trauma Specialist, Certified Workplace Conflict Mediator, and Mental Health Service Provider in the state of Tennessee and a National Certified Counselor.  She is also a member the American Counseling Association, the Association of Traumatic Stress Specialists, the Tennessee Mental Health Counseling Association, and the Middle Tennessee Employee Assistance Professionals Association.  She is a frequent presenter at local and national conferences, and has had numerous articles published.  She received her Master of Education degree in Human Development Counseling from Peabody College at Vanderbilt University.

To request Susan Gillpatrick to speak with your group or organization about complete wellness in living, contact her at (615) 460-4445 or susan.gillpatrick@centerstone.org.