Forge a Sense of Independence

The question for today is: What do you get out of working on a gift for someone else? In this journey of self-exploration through art and creativity, you will stumble across the unknown, leading you to obstacles (that you will find in yourself to conquer). But, how exactly do you prosper from these situations? What’s in it for you?

I’d say that one of the most advantageous parts of working on a project is that you find yourself quite alone. This is where your growing independence thrives. Unless you’re working with a buddy, the thought process that you go through, and the careful attention that you pay to your project can only be completed by you. In fact, the most successful preschoolers that I’ve taught are the ones who can focus for a time on their own work, only looking for help during truly difficult points. These children tend to be among the fastest learners of the class, and definitely the most mature.

Some alone time might be all that you need to prove to yourself that you are worthy of your own time. It’s something like going back to the basics of time management and adulthood. If you don’t dictate some of your own time sometime, then when will you have your time? I’ve found it an exceptional piece of advice to never allow others to seize your day and make you pay attention to things that don’t interest you. Because in the end, you won’t get the most out of your life if you’re not mentally there.

Therefore, remember that a creative exploration in crafting gifts will deliver its value twice if you let it: once for the recipient of the product, and once upon you.

Check out the rest of the Stretch Your Thinking Series

Part 1: Try Out a New Creative Medium

Part 2: Exercise Your Imagination

Part 3: Problem Solving: Gaining Expertise

Part 4: Forge a Sense of Independence