Kindergarten Creative

What did our time in kindergarten get right that we lost as adults?

When we were in kindergarten life seemed simpler and honestly, in some ways, I’d argue we had things figured out better than we do now.

Let me explain as you think back. Do you remember showing up for school wearing some wild outfit you put together yourself? Do you recall your reaction when your classmates questioned it and asked, “what are you wearing!?” You probably, in a matter-of-fact tone, just said something like, “it’s what I wanted to wear”, and that was the end of it. There were no hurt feelings and no second-guessing yourself.

Another interesting thing about kindergarten was when the teacher said something like, “we’re going to be finger painting this afternoon”. Your response wasn’t, “oh I can’t do that”, instead you were just excited to paint and you didn’t really care what everyone else was going to create. Without thought, you just went ahead and made the creation you saw in your mind.

And also, when the teacher said it was time to go play. Again, you didn’t moan and complain. In fact, you didn’t even concern yourself with what the activity was. You just jumped in and gave it your all, letting your spirit run free.

Creativity is something you were born with.

Sadly, somewhere along the way, teachers, friends, and even well-meaning parents caused us to question our free spirit when we were told things like, “You can’t do that” or “That’s not how it’s done”. We were truly created for more but we’ve allowed people and circumstances tell us otherwise. Regretfully, we ended up trading curiosity for caution and freedom for approval.

What would it be like to reconnect with yourself as you were in Kindergarten, before you learned to hold back?

Here’s the good news, you don’t need a time machine or some kind of magic. You just need to let go of the stories you’ve been telling yourself and believe in yourself again. Maybe you’re looking for permission. Well today is your lucky day. You are free to explore, to create and to be free again! Letting your creativity run free is a liberating mindset shift.

I think it starts by taking some simple risks. Why not start by wearing that so called outrageous outfit you’ve been holding back on. It’s never too late to pick up that hobby you’ve been wanting to do all your life. Take those singing lessons. Take that trip. What’s on your bucket list? The time is now! In fact, it’s not just about you, it’s also about your friends and family.

Okay, I know what you may be thinking, “you had me excited but now I’m doing this for others too?”. Yes, you heard me right. The world needs all of you. It needs you to be free from your inhibitions because when you are, others are encouraged to do the same. It needs you to create in a way that only you can. Your joy is contagious!

So let’s go back and finish what we started in kindergarten, but this time without letting anyone or anything hold us back. I’ll meet you at the sandbox and I can’t wait to see what you’re going to create.

By René Boecking | explorewithrene.com