Young children spend much of their time in the land of make believe, but imagination is not reserved only for children’s play.  Adults constantly use their imagination to help them invent new things, visualize, solve problems, enjoy a book or movie and think creatively.  No wonder Albert Einstein felt that “imagination is more important than knowledge.”

Imagination is a cognitive skill that is used throughout life and not reserved only for children.  Why do you suppose the popular ad, Calgon take me away, has been so effective?

Keeping our imagination sharp is a highly useful tool in creative thinking and problem solving. Unfortunately, we do lose some of our playful curiosity and imagination as we mature.  A study involving 350 children showed that kids’ natural tendency to daydream and wonder declines sharply around 4th grade. ~ Psych Info  That is about the age peer acceptance becomes increasingly important to a child.  We begin to worry about being “dumb” or saying/doing something wrong, as perceived by others. We are also constantly reminded to “pay attention.”

Einstein, who said we need to be child-like to be creative, also said, “Genius is one percent inspiration, ninety-nine percent perspiration.”  How true…

Now, excuse me as I go off to dream of faraway lands filled with adventure and intrigue .