Do you ever feel like there’s more out there, waiting for you?
A few weeks ago, I came across a painting of a kid who’s in front of a drab, black and white building. The kid is pulling back a curtain to reveal a hidden explosion of colours – reds, yellows, greens. It’s like there’s a psychedelic Persian rug hiding behind this boring scene.
And that reminded me of being a kid. That electric feeling of magic and excitement. Remember the delight of having a snow day off from school, or going to the movies with your friends for the first time without your parents? Maybe an iconic birthday party or watching a good TV show?
For me, it was watching The Gummy Bears on TV. I couldn’t believe the magic! I was mesmerized watching them drink their potions and transforming. They bounced “here and there and everywhere”, as the theme song sang. After the show, I went to my backyard and picked the little blue berry-like things from the spruce trees. I asked my parents to boil them to make a potion, and I couldn’t wait to bounce.
So where did that magic go?
Like most of you, I’m an adult now. I’ll be 42 next month. Instead of watching The Gummy Bears, I’m paying the internet bill and watching my (nonexistent) hairline recede to complete baldness. Ha, now there’s a metaphor for you.
I know deep down there’s an itch that needs to be scratched. And I would guess it’s about having fun…feeling creative…using my imagination. I want to be satisfied. But somehow, I’ve been sucked into being a boring adult.
You know what? That’s not good enough for me anymore.
I always promised myself I wouldn’t be one of those people who trudged through life, not really paying attention, just going through the motions and doing things I think I “should” do.
So, what do I actually want to do?
The good news is, I think that change is within our power. So, if you’re in the same boat as me, come along for the ride. I’m making the following list to acknowledge I need to change, and to be accountable.
Here are things that spark magic and excitement for me:
1. Travel
I would travel almost full time if I could afford it. There’s something so cool about going to a new place, seeing the sites and trying the food. There are lots of new places on my bucket list – Bali, New Zealand, Bryce National Park. And some oldies I’d love to revisit – Vegas, anywhere in Italy, the Grand Canyon. One thing I can say for sure is that I feel like a new person when I’m traveling – I feel alive.
2. Food
Food is my love language. Italian sandwiches made on hoagies or focaccia. Tapas. Tacos. Thai food. Sushi. Shawarma. My Mom’s egg salad sandwiches. Food warms my soul. And on that note, onto #3.
3. Good drinks
Obviously this goes hand-in-hand with food. Full disclosure, I’m not a wine guy, but I can still get behind pairing food with lots of libations: Aperol Spritz, Bacardi Cokes, drafts of Mill Street Organic, salt air margaritas. Or even spirit-free: Peach iced tea, raspberry lemonade, kombucha. Chai lattes if you’re looking for something hot.
4. Music
For me, this is specifically singing. I used to be part of a choir, and there was something about being in a group of people and making music. Hearing the harmonies between tenors and altos, the unison between sopranos and basses. The staccato rhythm, the swell of music, dynamics going from piano to forte. Feeling the hairs on the back of your neck stand up because the acoustics jump and soar. Hearing a pin drop after the final note. Perfection.
5. Writing of all kinds
Writing also makes me feel alive. My personal favourite is children’s lit, but I enjoy lots of other genres: science fiction/speculative fiction, flash fiction, creative nonfiction. Freelance. Even reading screenplays while watching movies or TV shows (by the way, have you seen Hacks on Crave? It’s hilarious).
In summary, I’d like to re-capture that spark. I want to find the lightning and the electricity. Growing older doesn’t necessarily mean getting boring. So I’m going to focus on those 5 things, and see what comes of it.
Here’s to always staying young!
Are you looking to recapture your spark? What are some things that awaken your soul? Reply in the comments!