Chapter 1: The Magic of Being Eight

Let’s take a moment to revisit the age of eight. Why this age, you ask?

• It’s a time when we actively seek out joy, forge new friendships, and embrace exciting experiences.
• At eight, we’re full of fresh ideas and innovative ways of tackling challenges.
• This age strikes a balance, allowing us to marvel at the world while keeping ourselves safe.
• Notably, Sara Blakely, the founder of Spanx, credits her entrepreneurial spirit to experiences from when she was eight, as shared in a recent post.

Do you have the courage to recapture that youthful spirit? Regardless of whether your childhood was filled with sunshine or storms, children face each day with renewed enthusiasm. They are perpetually in a state of exploration, fueled by curiosity. The exhaustion of yesterday doesn’t weigh them down; they’re simply too eager for what today might bring.

Yet, there’s a fundamental truth: every day holds the same unique potential as those in our childhood. Unfortunately, as adults, we often become trapped in the past, replaying old narratives in our minds. Children, in their simplicity, understand life’s essence better. For them, each day is a blank canvas, an opportunity to discover, learn, and thrive.

Society's expectations have left deep marks on our souls. Even if we resist, these influences remain ingrained in us. It’s time to rekindle that childhood spirit and liberate our adult selves.

Reflect for a moment: how many joyful, carefree days did you experience as a child?

When we were young, material possessions didn't dictate our happiness. If they didn't matter back then, why do they now?

I fondly recall spending countless hours with my maternal grandparents in the fields. Their lives were intertwined with nature; they cultivated both crops and livestock.

In those expansive landscapes, time felt boundless. I remember helping them, playing with the earth, running through the fields, or simply observing their work. Despite not having modern toys, I never felt deprived.

In the city where I grew up, I had toys, but their quantity was irrelevant. My emphasis was always on maximizing what I had.

The true difference lies not in the tools we possess, but in how we utilize them. With the right mindset, even basic tools can lead to outstanding success, regardless of what others might have.

Why is that? Because the primary difference between standard and premium tools is the convenience they provide.

For example, both a basic mobile phone and a smartphone can facilitate communication, yet a smartphone offers a wider array of options, making it easier to stay connected on the go.

Therefore, it’s not the tool that dictates the outcome, but rather the effort you put forth. An ordinary tool might require more dedication than a sophisticated one, but both can yield remarkable results.

The key takeaway is that your commitment to success is far more crucial than the tools at your disposal. This idea transcends physical tools. Reflect on your eight-year-old self; we made do with whatever was available, transforming simple items into grand adventures. Even the simplest toy could become the highlight of our day, driven by our imagination.

For instance, at eight, having clarity on your goal—simply to have fun—meant that you could take anything within reach and make the most of it. By day’s end, you didn’t mourn the absence of the ‘best’ toy because you were dedicated to having a good time. And that’s exactly what you achieved.

What are you dedicated to now?

Our eight-year-old selves possessed wisdom that we often overlook. These younger versions of ourselves grasped the importance of living in the moment, free from societal constraints.

The choice is yours; no more excuses.

You can either pursue what you truly desire or remain stagnant, blaming your circumstances, upbringing, or society.

You've always had choices: to grow or to stand still. When you were eight, the decision was clear; you always chose to move forward. Now, the ball is in your court. What will you choose today?

My personal philosophy is to keep moving forward, no matter the pace.

For a life without regrets.

-Stavroula Sarri-

P.S. A heartfelt thanks to Sara Blakely for inspiring this reflection through her recent Instagram post about how being eight influenced her career path.

Chapter 2: Embracing Playfulness in Adulthood

In "Benny Blanco, Marshmello & Vance Joy - You (Official Music Video)," we witness the joy of connection and playfulness that mirrors our childhood spirit.

The second video, "Regard, Troye Sivan, Tate McRae - You (Official Video)," continues this theme, encouraging us to embrace joy and spontaneity in our lives.