ACTIVITY: The Childhood Joy List

Rediscover the simple pleasures that brought you happiness as a child.

Apr 26, 2024

This post has open comments. Comment with your favorite childhood cereals! 🥣

A few years ago I went through a short phase of eating my favorite childhood cereals a couple of times a day.

I’m not entirely sure how it started. If I recall correctly, one day I was walking through the grocery store and noticed the cereal aisle in a way I hadn’t in many years.

I bought a box of Honey Nut Cheerios (truly the best of all the cereals1) and had a bowl with almond milk that afternoon.

Mmmm. Delicious!

I went back to the store a couple days later and bought more boxes. Not just Cheerios this time—I went bigger. Cinnamon Toast Crunch. Lucky Charms. Golden Grahams.

As I said, it was just a phase. These days I only like grown-up cereals, and I don’t eat bowlfuls of them several times a day. But what fun it was for a time!

Thinking about my cereal era brought me to this activity.

Rediscover the simple pleasures and carefree moments that brought you happiness as a child.

As kids, we had a knack for finding joy in the smallest things—a new video game, a favorite book, or a backyard adventure. But somewhere along the way, many of us lose touch with that sense of playfulness and wonder.

When was the last time you lost yourself in an activity, just for the pure fun of it?

If the answer is elusive, take a few minutes to create your very own "Childhood Joy List." Don't overthink—let your mind wander back to those early years. Take note of any activities, games, or experiences that brought a smile to your face.

Maybe it was...

Playing Super Nintendo with friends or siblings
Riding your bike around the neighborhood
Getting lost in a good book or comic series
Building Lego creations for hours on end
Watching your favorite cartoon on Saturday mornings
Eating ice cream for dinner (just because you could)

Once you've got your list, take a closer look. What was it about these moments that made them so special? The thrill of mastering a new game? The freedom to explore on two wheels? The chance to let your imagination run wild?

Now, think about how you can reintroduce some of that childhood magic into your grown-up life. You might not have endless hours to spend gaming or reading, but you can still find ways to embrace that sense of joy and presence.

BTW, What If Childhood Wasn’t Great for You?

Just in case you’re reading this and thinking, well, cereal was awesome, but I hated my childhood—I get it. In general, I don’t love nostalgia, in large part because I try to avoid thinking about some of my younger years.

Still: even if life wasn’t great overall, some things were good, right? Maybe it was a favorite stuffed animal that brought you solace, a kind teacher who made you feel seen and valued, or a special hiding spot where you could escape and let your imagination run free.

So in that case, focus on those moments of light. Consider how you can honor and cultivate that creativity in your life today.

This practice isn't about dwelling on the past or trying to recreate a perfect childhood that didn’t exist.

It’s just about remembering something FUN and bringing it into your life again today.

What will that be for you? And if you liked cereal as a kid … what kinds were your favorite?