Spark of imagination

Do one thing every day that scares you.

Eleanor Roosevelt

There are moments where imagination may seem as far far away as being able to actually touch the stars within the night sky.  This may be due to hardship, tiredness, or lack of vision.  In any of those circumstances, the need to rise above status quo is even more in need.

The need for imagination has always been what this world operates on, with, because of.  Without this magical yet mysterious thought process we would not have electricity, motor vehicles, technology, art, dance, drama.  All rely upon and were introduced to the world due to imagination.

As a child, we all experience wonderful moments of imagination.  These moments are defined by playing with our siblings, friends, family members, and others we would meet on the playground.  We would spend hours playing dolls, barbies, trucks, cars, army men, cops and robbers, house, tea, or with our stuffed animals.  We developed an incredible universe with people, things, experiences, and moments when we were imagining.  As a child, it is not difficult to have this quality of wonderment mixed with the ability to be anything we wanted to be.  But as adults...

At some point, as we grow, we lose that sense of adventure through our minds.  No longer are the games of imagination as enticing as the need to actually do things, acquire things, conquer things in a different manner.  We learn the pattern to stop imagining by our environments, peers, or self-inspired "I am too old for that" feelings.  As we grow taller, we imagine less and less in the same ways we did as a child.  But have you ever considered revisiting this passion and drive we used to have when under the height of 4 ft?  As a parent, I have been able to capture moments like this while playing with my own children.  As they have grown taller, I have watched their imaginary games transcend any type of current events, current popular trends in childhood characters, and reflect upon my own days of playing with my friends or brothers.

That spark of imagination should be revisited as frequently as we can muster.  That moment where you allow yourself to daydream, that brief escape you provide your mind to rewind, relax, and enjoy life more is needed for well-being.  I am not saying we should all pretend to have "tea" with stuffed animals - I am suggesting you image what could be, or what you would like to do, rather than focus on what you do not have, or obstacles that may be in your way.

I am encouraging you to take a risk and do something that may be terrifying to you.  Think at a level that inspires you to perform at a higher level with your profession, with your family, with your friends, and with those you have yet to meet.  Regardless of how others may see your ideas, allow your thoughts to be expressed as you wish to have them expressed.  Allow yourself this imagination time to remember what it feels to be alive, full of wonder, full of awe, where anything is possible and you can do and be anything you desire.