Every Spring we seem to have more and more dandelions in our yard. And we still find them sometimes into October, even November. It seems either you like having them in your yard, or you don’t. I don’t mind having them. It is so beautiful and refreshing to see them, especially after a long Winter. Plus it is fun to see how excited the kids get when the dandelions start popping up all over. Then there is the picking for bouquets, saving some of the tops when they go to seed, and then there is picking them to make wishes.
My kiddos always seem to notice when the first flowers start popping open and when they begin to make the shift to seeds, instead of petals. When the dandelions began to shift to seeds from petals, they begin to go around the yard picking them and sending the seeds out free in one breath.
The other day when we got out of the car, and the sea of yellow was beginning to turn to white. My youngest (6 1/2) noticed a few full, fluffy dandelions and went right up to one, picked it and with the biggest smile said “yeah, wishing dandelions!”
I’m not even sure he made a wish nor does he when he starts taking a stick and teeing up the dandelions to send the seeds soaring. But even still, he is as happy and excited as can be to watch the seed float away, much like a bubble. By the way, even at ages 6 1/2 and 9, my kids still love bubbles…I love bubbles at 40. They are fun in a similar way to blowing fluffy dandelions out into the breeze.
It is such a simple thing that creates the pure joy, the pure happiness. Kids can see it, do it, yet as adults we often miss it. And that shift isn’t something that happens overnight, it is a slow shift until we begin to notice. How often as adults, do we stop for the simple things? Or what about taking in or doing things that bring pure joy, pure happiness to us or those around us? How often is it just go from one thing to the next, not fully enjoying or taking in the moment?
I encourage you to take a moment, dream, and do something that brings you joy, happiness. And do so often.
And when you get the chance, pick a wish dandelion and send those seeds soaring with your wishes.
heartroots.net 