I turned 38 years old today, and I celebrated being the father of my 5 princesses. It was a good day. I look forward to many more days that we can celebrate as a family.

I hide in the back right hand corner of this little storage room.

I Was In Charge Of Planning The Day

The ladies in my life wanted me to plan the day. So once we returned home from eating out, I was quickly asked, "What are we going to do next?"

As somewhat of a fluke (but not really), I said that I wanted to play hide-and-seek. My girls were excited. And my mind started racing to think of the perfect place to hide this aging, out-of-shape body. I always enjoyed a good game of hide-and-seek as a kid, and I still feel joy when I can keep hidden as an adult.

The Perfect Spot

Today's location was a small storage space under the stairs. The perfect hide-and-seek location is hidden, isolated, and/or camouflaged. I have to use my surroundings wisely to hide this body of mine. I cannot just tuck myself up in a little ball. I have to be creative. I have to use my mind and manipulate my surroundings.

But My "Hide-And-Seek" Strategy Is NOT My Life Strategy

Although I still enjoy a good game of hide-and-seek, I realize that I cannot live a hidden life. Life is meant to be lived with others. Life is meant to be celebrated and enjoyed. Life is meant to be found, not hidden.

So as I live life, I choose to reject the following hidden-and-seek mentality.

1. Being Isolated

I choose to live life with other people because I believe that community is necessary to live a viable and healthy life. Yes, there are days when I need to be to myself to recharge my batteries and recalibrate my thoughts, but I need to be surrounded by people who love me, support me, and challenge me.

I choose not to be an isolated island.

2. Living In Darkness

Light brings life, warmth, and clarity. I choose not to live in darkness. I choose not to be impacted by the darkness but rather be light in the darkness. I cannot hide my struggles, my dreams, my victories, or my failures.

When darkness prevails, I die. I choose life, not death. I choose the light.

3. Not Making A Sound

I have to fight the urge to hold things in. Emotions should be expressed. Dreams should be revealed. Thoughts should be shared. I have to use my voice to share life with others. I cannot remain silent.

Our voices are treasures and tools. They help shape the lives of others and open the doors to our souls.

Final Thoughts

Life should be shared, not hidden. We must seek life, pursue it, and enjoy it with others.

1. Do you hide your feelings and emotions from other people?
2. Do you have a group of people that you can be open with?
3. Do you (or did you) like to play hide-and-seek?

I look forward to hearing from you.

@SumatraNate

---

Image Source: Photo was taken by me on my iPhone.