I still remember the best gift I received as a child. I actually still have it in my storage closet. It was a Barbie Star Traveler RV. As a child I was obsessed with Barbie dolls. I played with them for countless hours well into my pre-teen years. They were my creative outlet- making clothes for them, creating furniture out of boxes, cutting their hair, and creating relationships and stories about their lives. It was a world of endless possibilities! I still apply that creativity and belief in endless possibilities in my life today.
Not every toy or gift in a box will change a child’s life, but the creativity and unlimited thinking that children have is the real gift. As adults, we’ve let school, jobs, and societal beliefs shape our thoughts which often lead us to forget those gifts we had as children. Our corporate entities and school systems encourage limited creativity and create a focus to all get the assignment done as directed. Have you lost the creativity and wonder that you had as a child?
As a gift to yourself this year, could you give yourself back a little of that magic you had as a child? How can you be more creative in the coming year? I know so many people who tell me they are not creative, but I don’t believe it. All children are creative, so these adults have just forgotten how to be that way. Your mind dreams in awesome detail, creating locations, situations, and details every night. You might not remember it when you wake up, but you mind is capable of incredible creativity! Give yourself the gift of doing something that will allow that side of yourself to come out. Go to a painting class and stop worrying about your talent and just let the paint get on the canvas anyway it wants to. Book that trip to a new city you’ve always wanted to visit. Reach out to that inspiring person you follow on social media and let them know how you admire them. Give yourself the gift of trying new things this year and being open to new possibilities.
Allow yourself to do things that might fail. I can tell you there were some haircuts on my Barbies that did not turn out the way I had imagined them, and Barbie hair doesn’t grow back! As an adult, I’m terrified of failure. I’ve lost that sense of unlimited belief, so this year I’m going to try more things. I waited years to start this blog because I feared it would fail. But each time someone likes a post or tells me they enjoyed it, I feel a joy that absolutely lights me up inside! If I had listened to the fear, I would have missed out on so much joy.
The greatest gift you can give to others is becoming the best person you can be. As I wrote about last year, the best present is your presence. If you are a happy, loving, and inspired person, then just your presence in the lives of others is a gift. Your positive vibrations will lift others up. Allowing creativity and unlimited thinking back into your life will make you a better person, so it’s the greatest gift you can give yourself this year.
Happy holidays to all of you who have brought me joy by reading my blog. May your days be full of joy and presence this holiday week.
Comments