Children.
I've spent 4 years of my life learning about children. I wanted to know how they thought about the world around them. I wanted to know why they behaved certain ways. Now that I'm out of the science of psychology (albeit never without science), I see the real beauty of children.
They look at their world with fresh eyes. They see things that I see, but with more enthusiasm, desire and love. I miss that passion for being outdoors. I miss the ability to be entertained by cartoons. I miss the need to touch everything and run everywhere and fit into anything. I don't want to be a child again....but I would love to see my world for the first time. I want to play.
I found this article when I was looking for the name of a play observation scale. An excerpt reads:
"Children who frequently display solitary-passive behaviors are thought to
possess the necessary skills to interact socially, but not to evidence a strong desire for peer play
(Rubin, 1982)." From Coplan, Rubin, and Findlay "Social and Nonsocial Play"
Solitary passive behavior must be a staple of the constantly moving army brat turned scientist. I do have to admit I'm ashamed of my lack of effort for making/keeping friends. But once you've learned how to have fun playing by yourself.....and you're tired of being hurt. And you just can't bear to put the effort into something that you know will eventually end. You just don't try. And then you get bored by yourself and you stop playing altogether.
Damnit, I want to play.
