Don't Grow Up - Eat a Donut!
Let’s be real - donuts are the most amazing things on this planet. Sure, I love Disneyland, sushi, and my family, but… a crispy apple fritter takes the cake (sorry not sorry?).
Certain things in life are reserved for special occasions. If we went to the ballpark every day, the excitement of cheering on your favorite boys of summer would become a bit mundane. If we went to the movie theater every day, the epic sound and crystal clear 4k picture would morph into a normal occurrence, leading us to get annoyed when we attempt to watch a movie at home on a screen less than 50’ wide.
Donuts? While some days I wish I could enjoy them every day, it’s just not do-able. They’re an indulgence saved for celebratory moments!
Now, close your eyes and journey back to childhood. It’s the first day of school. Your groggy, sad-because-school-is-starting eyes slowly blink awake. Your mom knocks on your door, telling you to get in the shower for the third time, and you debate whether an extra 5 minutes in bed is worth her storming in and yanking off the covers (or, if you’re my former youth pastor, your dad comes in with a leaf blower). You lazily saunter to the bathroom, ensuring everyone in the house knows just how strongly you disapprove of this horrible morning. You brush your teeth, get out of the shower, and roll on a courtesy hit of deodorant.
Expecting to rush out the door as soon as your folks see your face, you realize your dad woke up early to pick up your favorite donut. And not just any donut, your favorite donut from your favorite donut shop! (think Sweet Coloradough in Glenwood Springs - if you know you know!). Instantly the day is fantastic. Sure, you had to actually wake up this morning, and you know you’ll have at least one teacher who violates the sacred agreement to not assign homework on the first day, but you don’t care, because that sweet, sweet sugar rush is about to hit your bloodstream.
Open your eyes. You’re an adult again. And I bet you want a donut. Donuts are the quintessential kiddo celebratory treat. So what better way to connect with your inner child than by treating yourself to that joyful, fried goodness?
Adulthood seems to have a fewer and fewer celebratory moments, and those moments typically involve far less exciting occasions. The student loan is paid off. The CT scan is clear. What if we laud these seemingly normal events the way we did when we were kids? Perhaps the mundane would become a bit more exciting, the normal more celebratory.
Approaching life with childlike wonder is all about finding joy in things we usually see as run-of-the-mill. It’s not a denial of reality, but a reclaiming of our youthful enthusiasm. The events themselves don’t change, but, with a little silliness, our perspective can shift. Life ceases to be a long slog to retirement and evolves into a dynamic story.
What’s your favorite donut? When is the last time you had one?