Throughout history, we often overlook the profound wisdom that lies within the young. This article delves into the remarkable insights and experiences of those aged 22 and under, challenging our preconceived notions and highlighting the value they bring.

Uncovering the Hidden Wisdom of the Young

Out of the Mouths of Babes: A Testament to Strength

Psalm 8:2 in the Bible's Book of Psalms begins with the profound statement, "Out of the mouths of babes hast Thou ordained strength." This sentiment has been echoed through the years by those who have worked with young people. With 55 years of experience in the sports world and beyond, I have witnessed firsthand the poignant insights that emerge from the young. There were times when I learned more from them than they did from me. It is clear that the wisdom of the young often surpasses that of adults.

These moments have stayed with me and taught me valuable life lessons. As I instruct through Acceptance and Commitment Training (ACT), a methodology commonly used by sports psychology professionals, I have learned to be exquisitely present and pay rapt attention. When we do this, we can turn these experiences with youth into learnable moments.

Adults often dismiss the wisdom of young people due to the belief that they lack maturity, experience, and smarts. However, this is an unproductive and bad approach that can disrupt effective working relationships with them. By being open to learning from the pearls of wisdom offered by the young, we can gain a deeper understanding of the world.

Letting Go of Disruptive Thoughts: A Nine-Year-Old's Insight

Language is a powerful asset that sets us apart from other animals, but it is also a double-edged sword. It can provide the wonderous advantages of creativity and problem-solving, but it can also lead to disruptive thoughts that can disrupt our focus and emotional well-being.

A clinical client, stricken with fear of the dark and unable to venture out during lightless hours due to watching too many horror movies, was able to separate himself from the unpleasant thoughts associated with darkness. He recognized that these thoughts were random events and not him. By doing so, he was able to venture into the darkness a few days later.

It took him just two sessions to conquer his problem by figuring out the distinction between useful and useless thoughts. This is an awareness that many adults take months to develop, if at all. The wisdom of this nine-year-old is truly remarkable.

A Young Man's Strategy for Self-Criticism: An Eight-Year-Old's Solution

A young man suffering from self-deprecating thoughts and the anger and self-loathing emotions stemming from athletic and other life mistakes came to me. After helping him understand and utilize the same concepts, he came up with a strategy for responding to self-critical thoughts.

"I'll flick them away," he said with conviction, and that's exactly what he has done since. No longer suffering from the thoughts and emotions that previously handcuffed him, he has found a way to overcome his inner demons.

The wisdom and resilience of this eight-year-old are inspiring. It shows that even at a young age, we have the ability to take control of our thoughts and emotions.

The Portmanteau "Nervited": Navigating Emotions

A former collegiate athlete, now starting her first career job, coined the term "nervited" to describe her mixed emotions. This is an example of a portmanteau, where two separate words are compounded into a new one.

She recognized the link between nervousness and excitement, which is common to our human experience. By acknowledging and embracing these emotions, she was able to successfully navigate the challenges of starting a new job.

Understanding the biological cocktail of cortisol and adrenaline that accompanies anticipation can help us turn worry into excitement. By focusing on positive anticipatory thoughts, we can avoid being overwhelmed by discomfort.

Another Nugget of Juvenile Wisdom: Channeling Energy

Sharing the "nervcited" concept with a young man preparing for a big sporting competition, he explained that nervousness and excitement are similar as they both produce energy.

If we channel this energy in the right way, it can help us perform better. Just like a released balloon with an untied neck or a powerful rocket headed to a self-determined destination, we have the choice to use this energy to our advantage.

The wisdom of this 12-year-old shows that even at a young age, we can understand the power of our emotions and use them to achieve our goals.

An Unexpected Advantage from a Sixth Grader

A young athlete with a lower-leg injury was faced with frustration and disappointment. However, he was able to identify an advantage to his situation.

"It's an opportunity to really focus on building my upper-body strength and my hand and arm skills," he enthusiastically stated. Many athletes would have been stuck in self-pity, but this sixth grader showed remarkable resilience and an ability to see the silver lining.

His insight shows that even in the face of adversity, we can find opportunities for growth and development.

Kids Say the Darndest Things: Building Positive Relationships

As the title of this article suggests, young people can say and do the smartest and darndest things. By paying sincere attention to them, we can build positive relationships with them.

Author and social media influencer Bryant H. McGill observed that one of the most sincere forms of respect is actually listening to what another has to say. This applies to all people, regardless of their age.

By giving affirmations to our young charges, we can strengthen our connections with them and help them grow. The rewards are mutual.

Long Beach restaurateur John Morris has a story that deeply impacts his present life. Growing up in Windes, an industrial town once known as "the dirtiest town" in England due to its numerous chemical plants, Morris recalls a childhood where even basic things like new sports balls were a luxury. "The rivers were so toxic that when we threw stuff into them," he said, "the water would sizzle." Morris was once a needy child himself, and that experience has led him to spend a significant part of his adult life finding ways to assist youngsters in need.

"John Morris: From Poverty to Giving Back to Kids"

Childhood Struggles

Morris vividly remembers his childhood in Windes. The town's industrial nature led to polluted rivers, and basic amenities like new sports balls were scarce. "We were lucky if we had any kind of old, worn out balls to throw around. We didn't know what a new ball looked like in those days," he shared with a hint of nostalgia. This difficult upbringing shaped his perspective and motivated him to make a difference.

His memories of a polluted environment and the lack of resources during his childhood serve as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by many. It is this awareness that has driven him to take action and support initiatives like the Let's Play Ball drive.

Supporting the Let's Play Ball Drive

Morris is actively involved in the annual Let's Play Ball drive, which is sponsored by the Press-Telegram and Daily Breeze in partnership with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Long Beach and the L.A. Harbor. Traditionally, the campaigns were separate, but this year they have been combined.

The goal is to provide at least 5,000 balls combined, with 2,500 going to each organization. However, the deadline is approaching quickly, on Friday, Dec. 13. Don Rodriguez, CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Long Beach, estimates that about 1,050 balls have been donated so far. "This ball drive is crucial to the success of our programs," Rodriguez emphasized. "With hundreds of kids participating every day, these balls are the backbone of not only our sports and recreation programs but also for mentoring, mental health and leadership programs."

Call to Action at Boathouse on the Bay

Morris is asking Boathouse customers to bring new, unwrapped sports balls or toys to Boathouse on the Bay, located at 190 Marina Drive, on Tuesday, Dec. 10. Each ball or toy should have a value of $20. In return, customers will receive a free buffet lunch and a heartfelt thank you.

"We need thousands of toys and balls for kids," Morris said. "The need is so great." His efforts are making a significant impact, and Rodriguez expressed his gratitude. "This is a special thank you to John Morris for spearheading the collection of sports balls during his event on Tuesday," Rodriguez said. "John's commitment to our campaign not only exemplifies a spirit of giving but also ensures that our kids will have what they need to thrive in our sports programs. Together, we are creating a positive impact that extends far beyond the playing field."

Multiple Drop-off Locations

There are several drop-off locations for donations. In the Long Beach area, one can donate at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Long Beach's main office at 3635 Long Beach Blvd., from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Monday-Friday. Big 5 Sporting Goods locations at 4780 Pacific Coast Highway and 5247 Lakewood Blvd. also accept donations during store hours. Phil Trani's Restaurant at 3490 Long Beach Blvd. is open from noon to 11 p.m. on Monday-Saturday. First Bank locations at 4040 Atlantic Ave. and 5195 Lakewood Blvd. are also available. Additionally, Boathouse on the Bay Restaurant at 190 Marine Drive is a drop-off point.

In the South Bay, Boys & Girls Clubs of LA Harbor locations such as 1200 S. Cabrillo Ave., 529 S. Gaffey St., 100 W. Fifth St., 1444 W. Q St., 1220 W. 256th St. and 802 W. Gardena Blvd. are accepting donations. Big 5 Sporting Goods locations at 529 S. Gaffey St., 2745 Pacific Coast Highway and 17542 Hawthorne Blvd. in Torrance, and 2515 E. El Segundo Blvd. in El Segundo also accept donations during store hours. First Bank locations at 21503 Hawthorne Blvd. and 1542 W. Redondo Beach Blvd. are available as well.

We are always looking for more drop-off locations, whether it's a sports bar, a restaurant or a retail store. If you are interested in becoming a drop-off location, please email rarchbold@scng.com and chaire@scng.com.

We want to thank you in advance for helping to make a difference in the lives of youngsters during this holiday season and into the new year. Let's Play Ball and make a positive impact together.