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Oliver

Anthony Dixon

What does it mean to be a kid at heart?

enjoyment of the present moment.

For me, this way of connecting to the world manifests in my interactions with children, even as young as one year old. When I talk to children, I speak to them as equals, in a clear, respectful toneā€”no baby talk. Just yesterday, I met a child, around two years old, in the supermarket. We had a five- or six-minute conversation, and he stayed focused, fully engaged, and seemed to enjoy every word. I told him he was smart and gifted and encouraged him never to let anyone change him. His response was pure joy, smiling and laughing with me the whole time. I later told his mother Iā€™d write a blog about him. Perhaps one day, youā€™ll see a childrenā€™s book called Oliver dedicated to that very moment.

My wife often jokes that my natural connection with kids comes from my “childlike mentality,” and my mother would agreeā€”she remembers me as the most lovable child. She used to worry because Iā€™d jump into the arms of total strangers, which, to her, signified my innate warmth and openness as a “people person.”

At 72, my love for characters like Tom Sawyer, who embodies the adventurous spirit of youth, is as strong as ever. My mind stays active with new ideas, and nearly every day, I come up with concepts for books. When I see people of my age, or older, struggle with cognitive decline, I feel grateful for the mental clarity Iā€™ve retained. Life has taken me over mountains of challenges, but Iā€™m blessed with health and the creative energy to keep going.

Reflecting on my younger years, I know I made choices that may have slowed me down. I smoked my first cigarette at twelve and tried my first joint at fourteen. But even with those choices, I feel like Iā€™ve retained my youthful spirit and curiosity. Had I not done these things, perhaps Iā€™d still be writing well into my hundreds.

Being a “kid at heart,” then, is about staying young in both mind and spiritā€”finding wonder in life, sharing joy freely, and keeping oneā€™s imagination alive.

Available on Amazon
Life

A Children’s Book for all ages

Anthony Dixon

Walking in Your Shoes: A Children’s Story of Following in a Parent’s Footsteps

Author Anthony Dixon

Chapter 1: Walking in Their Shoes

Book description
This Book is for every young person who wants to make something of their lives

Learning from the Best

In life, we often look up to someone who inspires us and sets a positive example for us to follow. This person could be a parent, a teacher, a friend, or even a famous role model. By observing and learning from the best, we can gain valuable insights and skills that will help us grow and succeed in our own lives.

Parents are often the first and most influential role models in a child’s life. They teach us important values, skills, and lessons that shape who we become as individuals. By watching our parents navigate through challenges and achieve their goals, we can learn valuable life lessons that will help us in our own journeys. Whether it’s learning the importance of hard work, perseverance, or kindness, our parents serve as guiding lights that show us the way forward.

Filling the Void – Walking in Your Shoes
Growing up without someone to look up to can feel like navigating a vast, empty landscape. It’s a void that can deeply affect your sense of self, your education, and your overall upbringing. When you donā€™t have that guiding star, itā€™s easy to feel lost, like a ship adrift at sea with no clear direction. This void can shape the way you view the world, the decisions you make, and ultimately, the person you become.
Parents, ideally, should be the first role models in a child’s life. They are the ones who should guide you, not just through their words but through their actions, living their lives in a manner that teaches you the right way to be. This guidance isn’t just about telling you what to do; it’s about showing you through their own choices and behaviors. When parents live with integrity, kindness, and responsibility, they lay down a path for you to follow. They become the first examples of how to navigate the complexities of life.