Be the kid
Kids are creative, so be one already
I have the great fortune of being the father of a nine-year-old boy. Without a doubt, he is my greatest joy in life. I love watching him do almost anything; there's an unmistakable sparkle in his eye. Seeing him problem solve and imagine - I have no doubt that’s where it derives.
The sparkle is his core creativity shining through.
And my son is not alone. Anytime I observe other children, they all have it - an innate sense of wonder, perhaps a belief in the magical. And it's a desire to create some of that magic in this, our tangible world.
You've undoubtedly seen it too. A grade school class filled with busy little people, all writing and drawing, thinking and imagining. There's an energy there that exists nowhere else.
Sure, all kids are unique, and some have more apparent creative abilities than others. But usually, this is an expression of the medium at hand. Some kids draw well, some sing, some dance, and others design. But all of this takes creativity, and all kids have it.
So this begs the question: are all adults creative too? The answer is yes. But society, the world, our fears, and our insecurities beat it out of many of us.
Creativity means being alive. It's how young people learn and make sense of the world. And it's how any of us engage with our thoughts and formulate ideas. Creativity is the way we express our true selves.
But as grownups, we sometimes forget. We conform - no time to doodle or daydream when there are so many rules, meetings, and HR guidelines to follow. No, creativity is too individual, too risky - so we think. Making stuff up doesn't make the money - so we’re told. Instead, we stuff our imaginations away in favor of serving something - or someone - else.
And it's a total shame. Because creativity is not just for kids; it's what keeps us all young at heart. If we lose the desire to make things up and invent, we stagnate. We age. And we grow bitter, unwilling to see the world in a different light.
But for those who hang on to creativity, youthful vigor abounds. We continually long to make something new, to make our imagination real. And we engage again and again in ways that brought us so much joy as children.
Creativity, if embraced throughout one's life, brings out the kid in us. Who wouldn’t want that? So go on.
Be the kid - again.
Until next time.
JRC
How true. Even the oldest among us can find their inner child and fire the spark of creativity by embracing change and trying new things…though often it takes a guide.