As children, our imaginations run wild, and we often hold onto ideas and beliefs that seem entirely plausible in our youthful minds. It isn’t until we grow up that we realize the truths of the world can be quite different from what we once thought. Here are some fascinating examples of childhood beliefs held by my coworkers and me, and the captivating stories behind them. Cody’s dad masterfully kept him believing for years that when he was little, he had a pet dinosaur. Just imagine little Cody, with wide eyes and an even wider grin, eagerly listening to his dad’s tales of a world where dinosaurs roamed the earth alongside humans. It wasn’t until he got older and started learning about the actual timeline of dinosaurs that he came to terms with the fact that his dad’s pet dinosaur was just a mythical creature of family folklore. Yet, the wonder and excitement of those stories left an indelible mark on Cody’s childhood, he said he still acts like a dinosaur somedays. Benny, on the other hand, believed with all his heart that he would make it to pro sports. Fueled by dreams of fame and glory, he spent countless hours practicing, envisioning his name in lights. As reality set in during his teenage years and adult life, he realized that while passion and hard work are crucial, making it to the pro leagues often requires a mix of extraordinary talent, luck, and timing. And when he says pro sports – he was meaning beer pong tournaments. I think he’s done pretty good for himself though, coaching football, playing baseball, and being the voice of the Yorkton Terriers, Melville Millionaires, and Swan Valley Stampeders, and knowing everything there is to know about every minor and major league team on the prairies. As for me, I grew up believing that lozenges were called lozengers. My mom always referred to them that way, and I never thought to question it. It wasn’t until one day at work, when I confidently mentioned “lozengers” to my boss, that I was corrected. The realization was a mix of disbelief and embarrassment. It’s funny how the smallest misconceptions can stick with you for so long, only to be debunked in the most unexpected ways. Nick’s belief was perhaps one of the most relatable. As a child, he thought that adults had everything figured out. They seemed so sure of themselves, so knowledgeable, and in control. But as Nick grew into adulthood, he uncovered the truth: adults are just winging it too. The insight was both comforting and disconcerting, a reminder that growing up doesn’t come with a manual and that everyone is perpetually learning and adapting. Lastly, there is Gloria and her disbelief in Santa Claus. But we all know that Santa Claus is real. In the end, these childhood beliefs, whether fanciful or profound, shape our understanding of the world and add layers to our personal histories. They remind us of the preciousness of wonder, the value of dreams, and the inevitable unraveling of life’s mysteries as we grow. Whether it’s Santa Claus or pet dinosaurs, these stories of belief versus reality are a testament to the magic of childhood and the rich, often humorous narratives that emerge as we journey through life.
