I for Imagination, I for Incredible?

If I leave here, what will I find? And what will I do when I find it?

Everything in the modern world owes its existence to imagination. Everything you see, hear and experience was once just an idea. It had to be believed, pursued, planned and eventually created.

You are arguably your imagination.

All of your hopes, dreams, anxieties, worries, they were born in and live in your imagination.

They’re there long before they play out in the real world, and they exist there even when they don’t come true. Planning your day? Using your imagination.

Visualizing scenarios and anticipating outcomes. Imagination. It’s a primeval biological function. You might call it life’s gift to man. The capacity to imagine how to capture meat, the capacity to imagine how a particular area would look once it was farmed. The capacity to imagine, anticipate and plan for the future; without it homo sapiens would never have left the cave.

In your imagination, there is possibility, not restriction. Have you ever had an idea, or hope, or dream, that your rational brain says won’t happen, but in your mind’s eye you can already see it happening down to the last detail?

Imagination is hardwired into every child.

As we settle into routine, tasks demand less of our imagination and we may let the dust settle on our creativity, but kids don’t have that problem. From imaginary friends to tea parties for teddies to becoming superheroes, it’s pretty impressive some of the things they come up with.

The thing is, these kids are on the right track.

When something weird, special or crazy happens, you tend to remember it.

That surprise birthday party versus the quiet birthday the year before. The time you got to meet someone you were really excited to meet versus the pretty normal day before it. That gorgeous meal you ate on holiday versus your daily egg on toast.

The point is, in a kid’s imagination, anything can be made special.

And if you can make something special, you can make it memorable.

Try giving a child a list of some random words, and ask them to make up a story about them. See what happens. You try it too, and compare the results – it is the imagination so there’s no right or wrong, but be prepared for the kid to decide they’re the winner. And maybe take a few tips from them on making your imagination as wild as theirs.