The Winter Olympics are on right now. From my spot on the couch, childhood memories emerge. When I was growing up, I loved to sit in our family room, with the fireplace going, and watch the Games. I’d imagine myself as a figure skater, gliding across the ice, in a sparkly costume, or, as a skier, racing down the mountain…
The reality is this: the last time I skated, I was six years old. I broke my arm. I was never a graceful figure skater, except in my own imagination. And I don’t know how to ski…at all…but, wow, in my mind’s eye, I was so good.
That’s the utter beauty of our imagination. We can be whoever we want to be…do whatever we want to do…achieve whatever we want to achieve. When we let our mind wander, we dwell in possibility, in potential, in hope. That’s gold medal worthy.
As I’ve gotten older, it has become more challenging to daydream in an unfettered way, like I did as a child. Challenging? Yes…Impossible? No…
Nowadays, daydreaming takes more effort and some coaching. Right before I fall asleep, when all is quiet, I let my mind wander towards fun possibilities, oftentimes, far from my reality, without asking myself why or how. I just let the ideas and images unfold. Because my energy is low at that time, I don’t engage in my usual mental gymnastics that lead me to dissect new ideas. I just drift off with my imaginings. No dissection allowed…
Sound silly? Sound childish? On the contrary…It’s refreshing, it gives my mind a rest, it invites my imagination to step forward and, possibly, prompts me to consider and create, as play can lead to innovation.
If the sky were the limit – and you were untethered – what would you envision? Who might you be? What might you do?
PS Check out more art journaling reflections in my book Diary of a Curly Top, Reflections Through Art at
Through My Mind's Eye 