Tuesday, December 20, 2016

Feel Like a Kid Again

"I haven't done this since I was a kid!" "This reminds me of when I used to do art in grade school." "This takes me back to my childhood." As an art specialist, I often hear these phrases during arts and crafts sessions with patients at the hospital. And nine times out of 10, they are said with happiness in their voices.

When I meet people, they are usually at their most vulnerable. Whether they are dealing with cancer, sickle cell, diabetes, heart disease or any number of illnesses; what most people want is to be comforted. I tell people that doing a craft isn't about creating some masterpiece or being perfect. It's about the journey from start to finish - much like life.  What we do while painting, drawing, sculpting, and creating is more important than what they take home after I've left the room. And majority of the time, they end up proud of their project and what they could accomplish with just a little guidance.

But the real magic and gift are the laughter that was shared, the pleasant memories that came up, and the comfort that was provided.

Why does this happen? Most of our adulthood is spent worrying and stressing over life. We forget our inner child and loose the innocence of childhood. When we let him or her out to play - whether it's doing arts and crafts, playing games, doing cartwheels or just acting silly - we allow our minds to relax, and our souls to be rejuvenated. It just feels good.

So during this stressful holiday season, take a moment to be a kid again. In fact, find some kids - your own counts - and do it with them. Bake cookies, play with dolls, pop popcorn and string it into garland (while eating it of course), watch holiday cartoon classics, sing silly made up songs, make up stories, color in a coloring book, make snow angels, and give plenty of hugs, laughter and kisses. Give the best gift you can give - wonderful memories.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

Angel ornaments made by participants in an arts and craft session.
Don't forget, you can purchase my adult coloring book "Coloring Curls: An Adult Coloring Book Celebrating Natural Hair" on CreateSpace or on Amazon.

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