© K Hakkenberg

While enjoying my hamburger yesterday afternoon, I heard a young voice yelling behind me. “TOY! TOY! TOY!” he repeated over and over, until his dad finally gave him the free toy that came with his lunch. The child tore open the plastic wrap and exuberantly began to play with his new treasure.

I wondered to myself about his moment of pure delight. How often do we as adults allow ourselves to feel such utter unselfconsciousness? This boy was literally shaking in his boots as he anticipated the receiving of a gift. We, as adults, hold back our joy, our feelings of pleasure and happiness, and our bliss.  We’re afraid of how foolish we will appear, of what others will think of us, and of attracting strange looks. But imagine the pleasure we would give to the giver if we freely expressed ourselves when being presented with a gift.

Today, don’t be afraid to express your joy!