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The Power Of Imagination

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: February 11, 2009

We grownups are often too busy, too stressed or just too plain tired to remember just how important the power of imagination happens to be. While we might have enjoyed our days of wonder and merriment in playing make believe as children, far too many of us forget this side of ourselves when we reach a certain age.

I don't think I fully grasped the sadness of this fact until my 9-year-old came home not long ago, distraught by something another child said to her. No, it wasn't a bullying comment made on the playground or on the bus. Rather, a boy in her class admonished a younger student for using his imagination to pass the time during aclass break.

The older boy told the younger one, "Imagination is stupid."

My daughter, quite wise beyond her years, was upset that anyone would have the audacity to say this. She even informed me of just how important she thought having the ability to dream is.

"Just think of what we wouldn't have if people didn't have imaginations," she said. She then proceeded to list off her favorite books, television shows and musical numbers.

Agreeing with her, I chimed in with some of the greatest inventions of mankind. Automobiles, airplanes, computers, electricity, the Internet, telephones, televisions ... the list goes on and on. None of these things would be reality today if someone hadn't dreamed them up first and then taken the time to figure out how to make their imaginary creations reality.

Imagination might be one of the greatest gifts mankind possesses. We almost always have it naturally as children. It's a tragedy that is slips away from us as we "mature."

While it might be "silly" for adults to conjure up imaginary friends, perhaps the world would be a much better place if weremember just how magical it is to exercise creative muscle.

Sherri Lonon is the editor of In The Loop

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