Creativity is so much more than playing a musical instrument, writing or painting a picture. Creativity can aid and influence every decision you make. The development and use of your own creativity is essential for your own future growth, and for that of the world in which you live.
I always find it surprising therefore, that so many of us find it so difficult to demonstrate or even admit to the existence of our creative side. And why is that so much of our creativity tends to diminish as we ourselves grow older?
Indirectly we are programmed both at home and school to toe the line, to conform and to be wary of signs of creativity that could make us more exciting as people, or outside of the norm of things. Instead we have to wait for suitable instructions, to be given permission before we can begin to find that lost creativity again. By developing your creative awareness, you will give yourself the permission to have fun, to enjoy the company of those around you and to really feel what life is about.
There is sufficient evidence to demonstrate that children at three or four years old are entirely free of any social or self restraints, and can therefore be witnessed literally walking on the grass at every opportunity. The sign that says 'don't' is of little consequence to them. The grass is a playground, a green luxurious carpet, a soft landing place, a running track In fact; it is anything their imaginations can make of it. But it is never 'a no go area!'
It is however, unfortunately, shortly after this age, that their parents, teachers or guardians; in fact anyone and everyone who claims to have their very best interests at heart, will slowly, or sometimes even frantically, begin introducing the sobering rules of society to these once uninhibited minds.
By the age of 10, children are already becoming more aware of the 'rules of freedom' and, in corresponding measure, their creativity now begins diminishing. The toy that was once their best friend in the world has now become only an acquaintance. They are told how to be creative rather than just allowing their imagination to flourish. For example at school they follow instructions on what to draw rather than have the freedom to be inspired by their own thoughts.
So before you are totally programmed into being an adult, start working on this list of fun things to do. It was compiled by my two step daughters aged 11 and 13, although there are some exclusions because they were positively dangerous.
1. Bake cakes or buns
2. Be in the middle of nowhere
3. Build a damn
4. Build a sand castle
5. Camp out in the garden
6. Chalk out a Hopscotch frame on your garden path and play it
7. Climb a tree
7. Climb a tree
8. Collect frogspawn
9. Come first in anything
10. Do a handstand
11. Dress up and wear heels
12. Eat ice cream too fast and get brain freeze
13. Hang upside down from a tree
14. Have a snowball fight
15. Have a water fight
16. Jump a stream
17. Make a boat out of leaves and twigs and get it to float
18. Make a den in the garden
19. Make a mud pie - or a sand pie
20. Make a painting using your feet or hands
21. Make snow angels
22. Make something out of a cardboard box
23. Outwit your mum or teacher
24. Play pooh sticks
25. Ride a bike
26. See your favourite animal
27. Sing on a karaoke
28. Spin on a roundabout until you're dizzy
29. Stand up for yourself
30. Stay up all night
31. Wake some worms up by stamping on the grass
32. Watch fireworks
If you are reading this as an adult and you still haven't done some of these fun things then the time might be right for you now, at the very least get your own kids or your nephews and nieces involved. I can assure you making a boat out of leaves and twigs and making it float in the same pond as a few fancy toy speed boats was hilarious. Have fun!
Angela Whitlock is a Hypnotherapist, Coach, EMDR and Cognitive Behaviour Therapist as well as a qualified Prince II Project Manager, with a difference.
With a background in psychology stretching back 30 years, Angela has spent the last decade managing multi-million pound projects in learning and development at Skandia, National Grid and the NHS.
As a published Author her book 'Walk on the Grass' focuses on the Creative and Emotional Intelligence aspects of life, combining the two very distant disciplines of project management and psychology, inspiring people to project manage their own minds. Her book ''Walk On The Grass' break your rules and inspire your thinking, is available from Booklocker. She also regularly runs stress and anxiety improvement workshops.
In addition she can be seen speaking at business events, nationwide. If you would like an excerpt of the book, feel free to claim yours at the website.
kully53 - About the Author:
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