When the world seems frazzled and stressed, it’s even more essential to indulge in activities that bring joy and peace. In most of us, there lies a dormant creative spirit that is all too often smothered under the drudgery of everyday responsibilities and tasks. Somewhere, quietly shut away, our inner child longs for the joy of creation and play.
The Magic of a Childhood
Childhood is often recalled as a magical time of carefree fun and uninhibited creativity. Ask an adult to draw, and they might hesitate, claim they’re not artistic, or stress about getting it ‘just right’. Ask a child to draw, and they’re usually already reaching for the crayons before you finish the sentence. They simply enjoy the act of creation, the flow of ideas, and the satisfaction of making something where there was nothing.
This sense of joy and wonder, unfortunately, often fades as we age into our adult selves, besieged by an onslaught of responsibilities, societal expectations, and self-doubt.
Reawakening Your Inner Child
Reconnecting with your inner creative spirit — your ‘inner child’, so to speak — can rejuvenate your life by:
- Reducing stress
- Increasing mindfulness and being present
- Boosting self-esteem and accomplishment
- Bolstering emotional richness
- Encouraging exploration, learning, and growth
Here’s the best part: there’s no right way or wrong way to be creatively active. It’s your journey to embark upon. So, how to jump-start this homage to your inner child?
Unlock the Joy through Creative Hobbies
A study published in the Journal of Positive Psychology found that individuals who partake in creative activities feel happier, more energetic, and we’re more enthusiastic the next day. Can you imagine what a sustained engagement in a creative hobby could do for you?
It doesn’t have to be drawing or painting — it’s about choosing activities that allow you to express your creativity, things that make you lose track of time, and let your cerebral chatter go quiet. Here are a few possibilities to stir up your creativity:
Writing or Journaling
Our inner child loves stories — so why not write your own? Start a journal or write a short story or poem. Don’t worry about spelling, grammar, or perfection, just enjoy the process of letting your ideas flow.
Handicrafts
Knitting, crocheting, sewing, cross-stitch, pottery — the list goes on. Find something you can do with your own two hands that yields a tangible product you can be proud of.
Music
Hobbies that involve music – playing an instrument, singing, or even just dancing around your living room, can provide a release from stress and ignite a spark of joy.
Gardening
Tending to plants, watching them grow, and enjoying the blossoms or even home-grown fruits and vegetables can be a meditative act that calms the mind and feeds the soul.
The idea is to immerse yourself in a task that requires creative thought and physical action, creating a blend of mindfulness and productivity unique to artistic endeavors.
Rediscovering your inner child is about liberating yourself from expectations of perfection, enjoying the process, and celebrating the pleasure in the creation thereof. When the seriousness of adulthood becomes oppressive, your inner child — and the joy that comes with creative expression — can add a refreshing dose of vibrancy and satisfaction to your everyday life.
So now, all that’s left is for you to pick up the crayons and start creating. Who knows just how much joy you might find?
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