As I sat and pondered the chase for happiness,

A blanket of nostalgia silenced the angst’s distress,

Whispering questions, my inner child awoke,

Carrying memories sweet, in response they spoke.

 

“When was the last time you splashed in puddles free?

When was the last time you licked melted chocolate with glee?

When was the last time you ran, no tracking device in sight?

When was the last time you played hide-n-seek, vanished in delight?

 

When was the last time you blew bubbles high in the air?

When was the last time you wondered at stars, with awe and care?

When was the last time you built sandcastles by the sea?

When was the last time you sailed paper boats wild and free?

 

When was the last time you flew a paper plane with delight?

When was the last time you laughed till tears blurred your sight?

When was the last time you created a rainbow, colours aglow?

When was the last time you ran barefoot on grass, soft and low?

 

When was the last time you read comics under blankets, hidden away?

When was the last time you imagined being a hero, saving the day?

When was the last time you held a teddy bear in a loving embrace?

When was the last time you had a pillow fight, filling the space?

 

When was the last time you had a tea party with stuffed friends?

When was the last time you melded shapeless clay, letting creativity transcend?

When was the last time you had a picnic, laughter filling the air?

When was the last time you had a pyjama party, staying up, a mischief share?

 

When was the last time you skipped stones, gentle ripples on the lake?

When was the last time you swung on a swing, soaring, for joy’s sake?

When was the last time you painted with fingers, colours alive?

When was the last time you let happiness thrive?”

 

While memories flowed like a river’s current strong,

It felt like another lifetime, where innocence belonged.

Impossible to answer ‘when’ for each question posed,

I explained to my inner child, the answers enclosed.

 

“Then answer these questions, for adults they seem,

Those who’ve hidden their inner child in life’s grand scheme.

When was the last time you stopped chasing perfection’s grasp?

When was the last time you halted judgment’s vicious clasp?

 

When was the last time you silenced complaints, rants, and grumbles?

When was the last time you stopped criticism, preventing stumbles?

When was the last time you let go of the relentless chase for validation?

When was the last time you abandoned comparison’s dark temptation?

 

When was the last time you let go of control’s tight hold?

When was the last time you released the past’s stories untold?

When was the last time you switched off the chatter about what’s ahead?

When was the last time you overcame fear’s shadows with courage instead?

 

When was the last time you silenced doubt’s haunting voice?

When was the last time you ended self-sabotage, making a choice?

When was the last time you surrendered resentment’s bitter sting?

When was the last time you embraced forgiveness, letting your heart sing?”

 

No memories flowed, but a resounding NEVER rang,

Tears streamed down my cheeks, a poignant pang.

My innocent child expressed wisdom profound,

“Happiness lies in everything that makes you smile, unbound.

Happiness thrives in curiosity’s gentle embrace,

In the flow of innocence, its captivating grace.

Happiness is the freedom to be, to exist,

Happiness is in the now, not to resist.

You don’t chase happiness, it’s within your power to make,

You make happiness happen for you!”