The Adventurer

One of the things I love about being a Scout leader, especially when I was a Cub Scout leader, is the sense of adventure these boys give to everything they do.  Each project is a new challenge with all the excitement and expectation of a quest to discover hidden treasure.  It is in the nature of boys to want to be heroes and adventurers.  How tragic it is that just as they get to the age where they really can discover the unknown, they are taught the word, impossible.

            Success-minded people can learn many great things from boys (and girls).  If we are willing to jump down from our superior mindset that we are the adults and therefore know better, we could really learn a thing or two.  Children can teach us that behind every creature is a story.  They know that love and goodness walks close to evil and danger.  Children can teach us that all things are possible and that, if you look for it, there is still magic in the world.

“See things from the boy's point of view.”

– Robert Baden-Powell

(1857-1941)

Founder of the Boy Scouts

            We, know-it-all adults spend more time complaining and fussing than a room full of children.  I worked at a major museum for several years.  There were many events for adults and many for children.  I always said, give me a dozen children's events to one adult event.  Adults complained, got angry over every little thing and never seemed to have a good time.  Children, on the other hand, were just happy to be there.  They laughed, ran in circles and just had fun all day long.

            A study done several years ago found that the average child laughed over 300 times a day.  The average adult laughed less than 20 times.  Now tell me, is there nothing we can learn from children?  If adults started to see adventure and magic in all they do; if they laughed and had a bit more fun, what a world we could create.  Life is too short to be a fussy, tired and grumpy old adult.  Let's learn from the experts.  Get with a group of children and allow them to teach you for a change.

You matter!  You matter to the world and to yourself.  Remember to be your best, love God, have good manners, achieve the unknown and change your world.

Scouting Out of Uniform is a personal blog based on the lessons learned from Scouting that relate to personal development and success principles and is not an official site of The Boy Scouts of America. John Patrick Hickey does not represent or speak for the Scouting program; however, he does completely support and encourages Scouting for both young and old. John Patrick Hickey is an author, speaker, Personal Development Coach, and proud Scouter. To read more from John Patrick Hickey or to get his books, training and book him to speak to your church, business or group, visit our website at www.johnpatrickhickey.com.   © 2019 John Patrick Hickey