One of the things I do as my 'side hustle' (aka for fun because I love taking care of little humans that aren't my own) is nanny. I've been doing this for almost ten years and it's become such a huge chunk of my life.⠀
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From taking elementary school kids to and from school, to playing with middle schoolers on the beach, to snuggling little ones - I love this part of my life and wouldn't change a thing.⠀
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Children are amazing. Ever play with one? Hangout for a day? They're literally exploding with energy and excitement for whatever they're doing - from playing Monopoly, to searching for sand crabs, to going on an adventure to the dumpster to throw out the trash. Being around children has taught me a few things:⠀
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- I can't wait (but will definitely wait because I'm not ready) to have mini humans of my own.⠀
⠀ - Sometimes the best slices of this life are the ones where you simply live in the moment and stop worrying about every small thing you can't control.⠀
⠀ - When we show one another compassion we build relationships - and this is the most important thing about being human.⠀
⠀ - Sometimes we just have to slow down and make time for one another, and to do things we normally wouldn't (like color, draw with chalk, play kickball, etc.)⠀
⠀ - You really CAN make a difference in a young person's life just by showing up and being there.⠀
⠀ - Children are malleable, and it really does take a village.⠀
⠀ - Kids can shape your perspective and show you how much of life you've been missing in being in such a rush to grow up.