There is nothing more inspiring to me than to watch a curious young child at play, exploring something new.
I know that I am witnessing pure joy — the joy of creating.
As the little girl begins, even if it’s somewhat timidly at first, she carries no preconceived notions of what she is supposed to do, or what the result has to become. She ventures into this new experience because her instinct to explore is keen. And the experience transports her into whole new worlds, full of smiles and giggles, and “look what I made!” exclamations.
And life is good.
She doesn’t know yet how to feel overwhelmed, stressed and stuck.
She instinctively releases all worry, because a creative play is a part of her natural process. She moves effortlessly from moment to moment with no fear or concern about what comes next.
No one has told her yet that she is too old to play, or worse, that “good girls” only play at recess and they don’t get their pretty dresses dirty.
No one has told her yet that creating things with no purpose is a waste of precious time, and that she has so many more important things to do.
No one has told her yet that what she’s made isn’t quite right, and she shouldn’t make anything unless she knows it will be perfect.
I am often asked why I gave up a successful executive career to serve as a Creativity Coach. The answer is found in this simple observation. I learned to experience joy again reconnecting to my creative play instinct and I am certain it is the most important thing I have ever done.
Creating = Joy
More moments of Joy = Happiness
Happiness = Success
Learning to create and play with the abandon of a child changed my life. And I have Deepak Chopra to thank for teaching me that Success is defined simply as Happiness.
Without creating in my life, I would still be lost in my stress and struggle. I would still be disconnected and overwhelmed, filled with worry about tomorrow. And, most importantly I would be oblivious to the happiness available to me today.
So, today, at this moment, I invite you to take a few minutes to create something simple and silly.
If you have an idea of what that might be, go now to make your project. If you’d like a little guidance, keep reading…
Do you remember how to doodle?
Make sure it’s something you can complete in less than 15 minutes. Notice, I asked you to complete it. I deliberately did not say “start your project” — incompletions only add to your sense of overwhelming.
Use only materials you have on hand — paper, pens, pencils, markers. If you are in your office you may find paperclips, staples, scissors, and tape, too. If you have a glue stick handy, you can really have some fun! Scrap paper glued in any pattern makes a delightful creation.
If you are reading this on a tablet or phone, then you’ll have to rely on what’s in your purse or briefcase or in the zone around you. I always carry colored markers in my purse just so I can steal moments to create at any time.
Yes, you can doodle with lipstick and eyeliner! Try it!
Or, make hearts from paperclips.
Need more ideas? You can doodle on the back of any piece of paper — a calendar page, a business card, an envelope, a receipt.
Any firm paper can become a bookmark or an affirmation card for your wallet or bulletin board.
And if you’re having trouble coming up with a theme or an idea, start with this: Things that make me SMILE.
You can play with the letters S-M-I-L-E or just begin doodling whatever comes to mind.
Release your worry about the end result. Remember– this is an exercise in PLAY, not perfection! Try using your non-dominant hand, if perfectionism is holding you back.
If you’re a regular reader of this blog, my Inspirations Ezine or if you follow the Wise Well Woman’s Way – 12 Baby Steps Foundation Formula, then you probably know that one of my favorite mantras in the 12 Baby Steps Formula is Practice Makes Progress (not perfection).
Today I am declaring Play Makes Progress, too!
And when your adult self tries to tell you that child’s play is a waste of time and energy, remember these quotes:
“The thing is to become a master, and in your old age to acquire the courage to do what children did when they knew nothing. ”
― Ernest Hemingway
“Man is most nearly himself when he achieves the seriousness of a child at play.”
— Heraclitus 500 BCE, philosopher
“Thank goodness I was never sent to school; it would have rubbed off some of the originality.”
― Beatrix Potter
“The creation of something new is not accomplished by the intellect but by the play instinct.”
—Carl Jung
“The only way for a woman, as for a man, to find herself, to know herself as a person, is by creative work of her own. There is no other way.”
— BETTY FRIEDAN, Founder of NOW
Make time to play today. You will feel some relief from your stress — I promise! Send an email to me at nanette@wisewellwomen.com and share your experience and your doodles with me. I can’t wait to be inspired by your creations, too.
P.S. If you’re not familiar with the 12 Baby Steps Foundation Formula practices designed to create more peace, joy, and success in your life, you can learn how to take more simple steps toward stopping overwhelm, stress and struggle now with this free transformation toolkit.