Escape The Box

Observing and learning from others is an effective way to escape the box and recharge your imagination. Children, in particular, are an infinite source of inspiration.

Watching my daughters, Olivia and Eva, tackle life’s obstacles has taught me to be fearless, to keep trying even when I felt discouraged and beaten. Although I tell them frequently, they may never know exactly how much they inspired me to write my first book.

That said, I want to share with you, with my daughter’s permission of course, a recent school project of Olivia’s that inspired me. And I’m confident that it will inspire you too.

I am Olivia Wanek.

I wonder if we can all live in peace.
I hear birds laughing.
I see every thing talking.
I want to have a happy life.

I am Olivia Wanek.

I pretend I will always be here.
I feel like I can fly.
I touch the wind and it touches me back!
I worry that I will lose my friends.
I cry when I fail.

I am Olivia Wanek.

I understand people in Haiti need help.
I say I can be successful.
I dream to have a successful life.
I try to get straight A’s!
I hope I will help people when I get older.

I am Olivia Wanek.

Far too often, you and I become so distracted by the merely urgent that we lose sight of the truly important. Tiny little moments of inspiration escape our attention. Creativity withers under the crushing weight our over-dramatized lives.

Hey, can’t we both just admit our guilt?

I don’t want to get all sappy and personal with you, so let’s just agree to pause and notice life’s precious little details. Together, let’s celebrate the ordinary and escape the box.

What are you doing to escape the box? Have anything to share?