By Emily Larkin, Managing and Online Editor
Time and time again, I find myself doing my homework in a Starbucks. Often when I’m in such a place, I find myself distracted by the interesting characters ordering a grande blended *insert any ingredient here* frappuccino.
Starbucks is where I do some of my best people watching. Unintentionally, my mind sees each person’s interactions and goes on a ride spinning stories of the crazy lives they might lead outside of these java bean halls with the whir of a blender as background music.
They could be a secret bank robber hiding behind a venti white chocolate mocha or a mainstage ballerina with a deep love for grande green tea matchas. Or even a superhero who saves the world by night with the power of a tall chai tea latte with whip.
All the time I hear that imagination is just child’s play. It’s for the ignorant and the foolish. But, I’m here to say no. Imagination is just as important for professional adults as it is for children playing pretend for fun.
Imagination ignites passion and rejuvenates ideas. It leaves you open for creative development and innovation. There are so many ways to connect with your imagination. My favorite way is to watch a play at a local theatre. I’m playing Lucy in “The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe” from Feb. 28- March 3 at Newman. *Hint, hint,* but you could explore your creativity in many other ways. You could write out your expansive thoughts in a diary. Join a band or have a deep conversation about a movie. There are so many ways to engage your imagination.
Playing with our imaginations can help transform us into the people we are meant to be.
As environmentalist John Muir said, “The power of imagination makes us infinite.”
PHOTO: STARBUCKS COFFEE can be a popular hotspot for people watching. Courtesy photo, Wikimedia Commons
