Little Moments in Time
Why being a kid is essential for creativity
I vividly recall packing my bags and running away to the forest across the street. The timeouts for cooking “seafood” on a rock while exploring the river. My trip to the ER after a horrific snake bite caused by my stubborn refusal to lose a bet with my brother. I was a child: crazy & fearless.
Other than time, not much has changed. I fear a bit more, but I’m equally as crazy. What I do admire about my childhood, however, was the ability to imagine the unknown. I had more fun with myself, in my own head, than I care to explain. What happened to that wide-eyed imagination? Why did I one day wake up believing in boring constructs & other limitations?
Whatever happened was recently undone. My desire to get out and explore awakened: to witness nature, visualize the patterns of life, and question the meaning behind our unique existence. This is when everything started to connect. It’s difficult to explain, but you’ll understand what I mean if you foster your inner-kid to experience each moment fully. Find wonder and beauty in each little world you discover. The magic lies in the ability to slow down and be captivated by your surroundings; to peep into that old tree stump nestled with fresh robin eggs or uncover the bunny den tucked away at the edge of a pond.
Because the best thing about being young is the truth. YOUR TRUTH. Your interpretation of life experiences which transpire in each waking moment.
Our collection of findings is so important because we begin to identify patterns which generate innovative thoughts. When we stop exploring, we stop creating stories to be told and shared. And like Rachel Remen remarks,
stories allow us to see something familiar through new eyes. The meaning we draw from someone’s story may be different from the meaning they themselves have drawn. Facts bring us to knowledge, but stories lead us to wisdom.
By channeling my adolescence, I quickly realized the importance of these past experiences. I now recognize while I may not have the answer today, if I keep sharing my stories I will begin to build a library and eventually read what was being said when I’m wise enough to understand.
So run outside and get lost.
Try weird things.
Be a little crazy.
And revisit the pages of your past to collect what was once forgotten.