Imagination.

Whenever I think of this word, a number of images flash through my mind, but two always appear. The image of a child playing, and that of an adult. I get flashes of color, and twisting landscapes, and other random images from my imagination, but those two stick.

I love how a simple cardboard box becomes the greatest castle ever constructed by the Dwarves of OooBeGooo, with the aid of a child’s imagination. Not whatever the box held, oh no, that does not matter. Just the box of wondrous, everlasting, bright green monkeys, riding unicorns with springy legs, because they have to be able to bounce over the lava fields, (living room carpet), walls of strong jello so enemies get stuck in it, Box of OooBeGooo.

The imagination of a child should never be taken for granted, but marveled at with the greatest of respect. And if you are an adult around a child, and they offer to let you into the Fortress of OooBeGooo, to help them defend it against the Water People of HaHa, do it. Not just for the child, but for yourself as well.

As adults, many of us have forgotten the joy of our own imaginations, because we are so caught up in the day to day grind of the fast paced, world in which we live. Exercise and health means that the body needs good nutrition. The body needs physical activity. The mind needs to be expanded. And your imagination needs to be stretched.

When was the last time you were on your back, staring at the ceiling, thinking of things you could be doing? (Yes, ladies, I left a HUGE opening there for you to crack a comment towards your partner. You are welcome.)

A little imagination in your day-to-day activities should be something we all try and get more of. Play with it. Make it strange as  you can. Make it as weird as you want. Make it so ridiculous that it makes you laugh. Use your imagination in that weird, ridiculous manner, to think of the reactions of others, with something as mundane as driving to work in your car.

What if the door handle of your car was a squeaky toy?

What if your car was a giant fish tank that you drove?

What if you started barking at the car next to you?

What if you could make the trunk puke at the car behind you?

What if your steering wheel was made from flashing dildos?

Help yourself smile more by using your imagination.

OooBeGooo. Enjoy what you do.