Unbox Wonder

An Invitation to Come Out and Play

A few nights ago, nearly midnight at the airport, I found myself waiting for a late shuttle. Buses passed by, filled with tired adults—dim eyes, folded shoulders, lost in phones or thoughts.

As one bus stopped in front of me, I caught my reflection in the window, looking just as tired as everyone else. But then... that reflection shifted. I saw my younger self—smiling and waving at me! Of course, I smiled and waved back. And just like that, my energy shifted. My heart filled with joy.

I looked again inside the bus... and suddenly, I didn't just see tired adults. I saw who they were before life made them forget how to play. I saw them giggling, looking out the windows with wonder, waving back at me like sunbeams. Tears filled my eyes.

You and I, we see them everywhere—on trains, in traffic, in checkout lines—grown-up faces that once held so much light. Because is true, we were all kids once.

So today, my younger self would like to invite yours to come out and play, with this soft reminder:

• There's still a child inside.
• There's still room for magic.
• Wonder isn't lost—it's simply waiting.

What if?

What if we allowed ourselves to see life like children again? What if we gave ourselves permission to notice reflections in puddles, the shapes in our coffee foam, the songs of passing birds?

Life can feel heavy. Responsibilities often choke out awe. But that wonder? It's still there—not gone, just quiet. Living with childlike wonder isn't about pretending everything is perfect. It's choosing curiosity over control. Joy over judgment.

And the best part? You don't need to change your whole life. Just pause. Breathe. Open the door to wonder—just a bit.

3 Ways to live with Childlike Wonder

1. Ask "What if?" More Often
Children are masters of dreaming without limits. Begin your day—or your next idea—with a playful "What if..." What if the clouds were made of whipped cream? What if I danced while brushing my teeth? Sometimes, silliness is the bridge that carries us back to joy.

2. Make Space for Little Moments
You don't need a grand adventure to feel wonder. It lives in short walks, in the rhythm of your breath, in the sound trees make as they dance with the wind. Give yourself five minutes—no phone, no goal. Just observe. Let your senses guide you back to the miracle of now. What do you see?

3. Create Just to Play
Draw, doodle, sing, scribble—without worrying if it's "good." As an illustrator, my most joyful creations are the ones where I let go of perfection and simply play with color and line, like I did when I was little. This kind of play isn't childish—it's sacred. Because it brings you back to yourself!

The gifts of Childlike Wonder

• More Creativity
  When you let go of rules and welcome curiosity, inspiration flows freely.
• Less Stress
  Wonder brings you into the present. And when you're fully here, the noise of tomorrow softens.
• A Deeper Connection to Life
  Seeing the world with open eyes makes even the ordinary shimmer with magic. It reminds you that simply being alive is a breathtaking gift.

Want to invite more Wonder into your day?

I created a free coloring page just for you—a little gift to color, pause, play, and relax!

Dive Deeper with Color Your Mind

For more ways to embrace mindfulness and joy in everyday moments, explore our Color Your Mind coloring book—filled with gratitude prompts, soothing mandalas, and anxiety-relief exercises designed to nurture a calmer, happier you.

Follow Us for More Inspiration

Come hang out with us on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok @aleart. We share cozy moments of creativity, mindfulness, and magic.

You are not too grown-up to wonder. You are never late to play.

Thank you for being here. The world is brighter because of your magic!