That wide-eyed wonder feeling

When was the last time you approached and experienced something that wide-eyed wonder feeling?

The same kind of feeling a young child has the first time they watch an exciting movie in the cinema, visit a stage show, go to a theme park or see an elephant up close. Something that makes them utter a almost breathless "WOW!".

When we become adults, it's easy to become world-weary and view anything new with suspicion or cynicism, and always be conscious of how we're appearing to those around us.

But if we can recapture that child like wonder, and give ourselves up to the experience, truly let go of our inhibitions or fears and just experience as fully as possible, it's more often than not incredibly rewarding.

Cultivating our sense of curiosity and awe can help with this. Being curious enough to seek new creative experiences, people, events and outlets. And being open enough to genuinely let our jaws drop when something impresses us, and let it move or inspire us enough to have a lasting positive impact.

One good way of doing this is to start a course or class in something you've always been curious about but never got round to doing. Maybe it's improvisational acting, stand-up comedy, short film-making, gospel singing, or something else.

Choose something that brings up in you feelings of excitement and curiosity, and also a bit of trepidation and fear. Then let yourself get fully into the experience, trust the tutor/ teacher enough to commit to the course and give it your best shot, rather than making a half-hearted effort then complaining that you never really got into it.

Everyone there will be in a similar position to you, each of you there to learn, so use this to be more confident still, and as a chance to mix with people who share a similar interest or passion.

In all things you do, give yourself the greatest chance to enjoy each experience to the full and develop your senses of curiosity and awe.

Get that wide-eyed wonder feeling back in YOU!