In the middle of what was cultural shock for me, we celebrated two birthdays, spent afternoons at the park and the pool, and shopped at Target and Game Stop. I even "baby sat" for the first time since I was in high school.

Here's what I learned:

(1) Children have no concept of "lack." These birthdays were friend-packed parties. Everyone came bearing gifts, from valuable to fun, which were opened with equal excitement, anticipation and gratitude. An inexpensive gift always got as enthusiastic of a "thank you" as a costly one.

(2) These children felt their parents' love and because of it, they felt safe and secure wherever they went. Five-year-old Jack's party was hosted at Monkey Joe's, an "inflatable play center" for jumping, sliding and bounding. Despite what looked like chaos to me, he was always aware of where his parents were and trusted that if he needed them, they would come running. This security allowed him to enjoy every moment with abandon.

(3) Apparently, children live in the present and "make it up" as they go. Their imaginations are vivid and creative, without boundaries. They have no filters between themselves and their higher consciousness. Because they believe they can do anything, they give everything their best shot.

These three translate into thought-provoking concepts for us:

(1) Are you living with a sense of lack? The perception of lack causes us to speak and behave as though there's never enough. We feel lack every time we see what others have. Then, we proceed to create an environment where our feelings take form. Slower business, extended salon appointments, lower retail sales…they're all part of our expectations of lack. If we were to start each day with anticipation and excitement, and naturally expect a day filled with lavish abundance, what could be create? Flowing prosperity maybe?

(2) Feeling the safety and security of a loving spiritual presence allows us to breathe freely, move gracefully and simply enjoy life. The scriptures implore us to "be anxious about nothing" and teach that if we to turn our stressors over to our higher power, He will come to our aid. Then, we can be grateful that we don't have to carry the load…that there is always someone looking out for us.

(3) Living in the present allows us to experience true freedom. Guilt comes from living in the past; stress and anxiety come from living in the future. It's no wonder children laugh over 300 times a day, compared to adult's 10 to 15 moments of daily laughter. Children experience spontaneity, as they explore the world, activity by activity. They're 100% in the moment, and they trust in that moment to bring them joy and satisfaction.

Is it possible that we can let go of lack, fear-and living in the past or the future-and simply live in the sweet spot of childhood? Can we be present-centered, anxiety-and guilt-free, accepting of a higher power and joyfully creative?

Why not try? For one blissful week, choose to feel like a kid again. Let me know what you rediscover.

About Ann Mincey
For 35 years, Ann Mincey's training programs have helped beauty professionals reduce stress, refuel creativity, open their hearts and enrich their lives. As one of the first women to teach motivation, inspiration, confidence and well-being, Ann worked for Redken 5th Avenue NYC, where she advanced to Vice President of Global Communications before recently retiring. She remains a spokesperson for the brand, in addition to developing her own speaking and enrichment business. Having been recognized with numerous leadership awards and philanthropic honors, Ann is a sought-after public speaker and author of "Get Glowing! You are a Star Right Where You Are!". She can be booked through Equanimity, Inc. speakers' agency (equanimity.com). Salon industry inquiries should be made to amincey@redken.com.