A Fast Track to Childlike Wonder!
Being a kid seems like a century ago for many of us. At best, we get to remember childhood feelings of wonder vicariously, through our own children and later, our grandchildren. Read on to ponder the issue and also explore an easy solution that may help fast track you back to some of that reckless childhood joy! It’s possible!
Blog published 6/19/25: Topic: Discover a path back to childhood wonder and living in the moment. Learn about John & Mable Ringling Museum and other places near Fisherman’s Cove.
When “Wonder” was Everywhere!
With children, extended states of excited activity and amazement seem never in short supply.
Ahhhh – those were the days, right?
When we observe a child’s excitement while anticipating Christmas Day, or building a first snowman, or opening a birthday present, it reminds us of how we once felt about those very same things. While it’s wonderful to witness their excitement and also remember our own, it’s not the hyper charged wonderment we can only faintly remember.
When Life Repeats Itself
Truthfully, by the time we are adults, we have experienced certain tasks or occasions so many times, it’s natural for them to become monotonous or at best, lack luster. We may find that enthusiasm, joy or mindfulness for those events can become quite difficult to muster. Even during a welcomed birthday celebration with family and friends, our minds are constantly checking out of the activity and ruminating about past experiences or future possibilities.
As adults, many of us may find ourselves “fighting” to reconnect with that joy, and unfortunately, we might even feel societal or family pressure to do so. In part, however. what you are actually fighting for goes against the basic survival wiring of the brain since the beginning of the human race!
Survival? Here’s the Theory!
When we engage in repetitive or familiar events overtime, several important brain processes are activated – many of which are deeply connected to survival mechanisms. Put simply, familiar environments and activities pose less threat, so they eventually are processed in different regions of the brain. It’s a natural process that frees up mental energy for new and unexpected challenges. We simply don’t need to be “all in” these activities to remain safe.
Another hard wire is that our brains have evolved to detect the negative. Back in the day while living in the wild, it was quite useful in avoiding things like animal attacks.
The Place Where Joy Resides
Joy can be found in the present! Afterall, it is the only place where life unfolds, new emotions are experienced, connections are forged, and new memories are created.
To ponder this possibility, let’s circle back and consider what plays a huge part in perpetuating a young person’s wonder and excitement: EXPERIENCING NEW THINGS and LIVING IN THE MOMENT!
Naturally, when you experience new things, there will be surprises and UNKNOWN outcomes. So, as an adult, with all our survival wiring still very much intact, our brains naturally switch to a higher gear and a more singular level of awareness to manage through the experience.
Mindfulness
A popular term used today is MINDFULNESS; the practice of restraining your thoughts into the present moment rather than attaching them to experiences or thoughts of our past or anticipation of the future. It’s a state of mind that most young children operate in – everything is new. For adult, our minds are full of experiences and can interfere with mindfulness. Luckily, it can be practiced in almost any context from cooking dinner, playing bridge, to climbing Mt. Everest.
There are many ways to “train” your brain into a state of mindfulness, like various forms of meditation, or with cognitive behavioral therapy. Both methods require the continual restriction of unrelated thoughts and past experiences from entering into your present experience.
The present is a very good place to be! There are thousands of research studies supporting the fact that being there reduces stress, increases well-being and improves health.
Brain Training – Stop That Thought!
There are many ways to “train” your brain into a state of mindfulness, like various forms of meditation, or with cognitive behavioral therapy. Both methods require the continual restriction of unrelated thoughts and past experiences from entering into your present experience.
The present is a very good place to be! There are thousands of research studies supporting the fact that being there reduces stress, increases well-being and improves health.
The Fast Track Back to Wonder!
Retraining your brain to focus on the positive and the present is a process which takes a little time and practice. In the meantime, there’s a simple fast track for achieving instant mindfulness: EXPERIENCE NEW THINGS! It’s the quickest way to snap your mind into a singular awareness. Simply put, your brain is processing the event more like a child processes almost everything.
And the good news is, if you “mindfully” look around, you’ll likely find plenty of new potential experiences all around you!
NEW EXPERIENCE!
Holy Cow! You’re Not Going to Believe This Place!
The John & Mable Ringling Museum in Sarasota
(13.6 miles from Fisherman’s Cove)
There are many places within 30 minutes of Fisherman’s Cove that can charge you up with wonder and excitement. But the Ringling Museum truly ignites all 5 senses and has something for everyone!
While staying at Fisherman’s Cove, my group ventured out to the Ringling Estate. All of us had heard about it, but none of us had ever been. When we arrived, we were first a little overwhelmed at all there was to see. We simply didn’t know where to start.
The ART! Some of us were astounded by the sheer magnitude of Ringling’s personal collection of artworks; the incredible wall to ceiling murals, the gigantic paintings dating back to the Rennaissance period.
The Circus Museum! One person in our group never left the circus museum, complete with the world’s largest miniature – it took 50 years for one man to build! So many curious and odd artifacts from the circus of the early 1900’s. Also inside the building was an entire train section of John and Mables sleeping quarters!
The Mansion! Overlooking the Sarasota Bay, the beautiful mansion will sent my mind into wonder, imagining the daily lives of the Ringling’s inside such an extraordinary home.
In the car on the way back to Fisherman’s Cove, our exited energy continued. I noticed that each of us were eager to tell stories, ponder questions, and give opinions about our experience – interrupting each other with excitement. We talked about what a “big kid” John Ringling must have been.
It occurred to me later, that we all sounded a little like, ….. well, ……
C H I L D R E N!!
Ahhhh, these ARE the days, right?
Fun & Interesting Facts
I’d like a BIGGER BRAIN please!
Who would have thought it was possible? Numerous long- and short-term research studies comparing people who practice mindfulness meditation to those who don’t, have revealed significant structural changes in the brain between the two groups. While these changes are most evident in long-term meditators, research indicates they can begin almost immediately.
For a more comprehensive article on understanding mindfulness research and its findings, visit “What is Mindfulness? A Simple Practice for Greater Well-Being.”
A 2019 study of first-time meditators who underwent 40 days of mindfulness meditation training showed significant changes in brain structure, including gray matter volume and cortical thickness – areas linked to lower depression scores when compared with non-meditators.
A 2020 study of 50 long-term meditation practitioners between the ages of 24 and 77 found significantly lower rates of annual brain tissue loss in meditators.
More about The John & Mable Ringling Museum
John and Mable Ringling transformed their passion for circus, art, and community into a cultural landmark. While visiting The Ringling you can:
get up close and marvel over magnificent masterpieces, tour early 20th century Italian architecture, stroll through relaxing and beautiful gardens, and simply get blown away by the miniature circus and the plethora of circus oddities and memorabilia. All the while, you’ll certainly ponder the magical creativity and zest for life of the genius entrepreneur, John Ringling.
Upon his passing in 1929, Mr. Ringling left his Sarasota estate to the State of Florida so that its history and wonder could be preserved for all to enjoy.
From the moment you enter, you’ll feel your spirit lift – enlivened by creativity, history, and a sense of limitless possibility.
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Built in 1926 the home is a 36,000 sq ft Mediterranean–Venetian Gothic residence famous for ornate terra cotta, colored glass windows, and a striking Belvedere Tower offering panoramic views of Sarasota Bay.
They offer an intimate 70-minute guided tour across multiple floors and ending atop the tower overlooking the bay. The tour also includes the Bayfront Gardens providing access to The Secret Garden where John & Mable are buried.
Temporarily, while post storm restoration continues, a “Ringling’s Legacy Tour” is offered. It tours the restored first floor of the mansion and traces John’s journey from circus performer to circus legend, to legendary cultural pioneer.
(Picture by HMSyume, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons)
• Launched in 1948 as America’s first circus-history museum, it preserves posters, wagons, costumes, and artifacts from the early circus. The building even houses the entire train section that contained John & Mables sleeping quarters!!
• A huge attraction is the world’s largest miniature circus display: Howard Tibbals’s 3/4″-to-foot scale model spans 3,800 sq ft with OVER 42,000 PIECES—an astonishing recreation of the Ringling Bros. & Barnum & Bailey Circus (1919–1938) . It took him 50 years and he loved every minute!
Rcragun, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Hal Dunn, CC BY 3.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
Fred Hsu on en.wikipedia, CC BY-SA 3.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
- Historic Asolo Theatre: A 16th-century Italian stage reassembled here in 1952, rich with frescoes and gilded boxes—now the cradle of Sarasota’s performing arts
- Summer Circus Spectacular: A beloved show held annually during the summer months. (June 13–Aug 9, 2025) Produced by Circus Arts Conservatory & The Ringling, it’s an hour of thrilling feats for all ages, in daytime & evening performances. Learn more and Get Tickets!
- Bayfront Gardens: A serene waterfront oasis of banyan groves, marble terraces (replicating Venetian chevron patterns), rose gardens, and hidden sculptures—a peaceful haven echoing Mable’s love of nature and detail.
- Secret Garden: A tranquil space marking the resting place of John, Mable, and Ida Ringling – accessible to visitors during estate hours.
HMSyume, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
Permanent Collection: The state art museum of Florida, housing 21 galleries of European masterpieces—Rubens, Titian, Velázquez—as well as American, Asian, glass, and contemporary works.
Temporary Exhibitions: There are many temporary exhibitions from well-known artists throughout the year. At any particular time, the museum will have from 5-7 exhibits from all over the world.
Visit All Exhibits.
There are so many things to see. For all details about ticketing, visit Tickets & Admission – The Ringling
Video Overviews of The Ringling Museum
Blogger Comments
Since the subject of this blog is about finding childlike joy in adulthood, I wanted to share one of the most elating videos I’ve ever come across on the internet. To get the full message with all the subtle nuances, you have to watch from the beginning and try not to speed through!
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When a 66-year-old color-blind man see’s bright colors for the first time, an extreme and beautiful change occurs over him. Not only is he outwardly ecstatic to see vibrant colors for the first time, but his entire physical body begins to switch from an adult body and take on the physical mannerisms of a child again – a child immersed in a complete state of wonder!
The man’s new experience seemed to instantly reconnect him to a faraway and “ancient” place of joy and excitement. A place that he most likely hasn’t been to in a long, long time.
Personally, I’ve sent this video to all my brothers, sister, and also my children as “proof” that there is a place in our minds where we can experience joy again. From the tops of our heads to the very bottoms of our feet – LIKE CHILDREN!
Now let’s all go experience something new again: take a sunset cruise, catch a big fish, visit a new place, or even challenge yourself to stand in the rain! * But whatever you do, DON’T BE THINKING OF ONE OTHER THING!
Once you start looking for experiences, you’ll find great places everywhere and even CLOSE BY! I plan to continue sharing these places through this blog.
Kindest Regards,
Becky Claffy
At Fisherman's Cove
People just love our place! We’ve worked hard to provide a beautiful haven that many call “paradise.”
Check out this video and see all the FUN we have around here!
Resort Photos
Recent Google Reviews
The amenities are top notch! The fishing pier was a big hit for my hubby! I will say that the $1k deposit was a huge turn off and almost a deal breaker for us, we’ve never been asked for such a huge deposit, hence the 4 stars.
We stayed at Fisherman’s Cove RV Resort for about a week, and while there are some definite positives… it’s a bit of a mixed bag depending on what you’re looking for.
The location is solid, especially if you want to be close to Sarasota without being right in the middle of everything. The pool deck was a highlight… well done, relaxing, and clearly one of the better features of the campground.
That said, the campground has a very quiet, sleepy feel and seems to cater more toward an older crowd. During our entire stay, we didn’t see a single kid. For some people, that’s exactly what they want… but for others, it’s worth knowing upfront.
Amenities were fairly limited and there really weren’t any organized activities. There were a couple of food trucks, which was nice to see… but communication around when they’d be there was minimal, so it felt a bit random.
One area that could use improvement is staff interaction. We didn’t see many employees around and the few we did encounter weren’t particularly friendly. I even tried saying hello to the groundskeeper a couple of times and didn’t get much of a response… which stood out.
Overall, Fisherman’s Cove is a decent option if you’re looking for a quiet, low-key stay with a nice pool and good location. Just know going in that it’s more subdued, with limited amenities and very little activity. For the right traveler, it may be perfect… but it’s definitely preference-based.
