Pure Imagination Belongs to Children Alone?
🎶Come with me and you’ll be
In a world of pure imagination
Take a look and you’ll see
Into your imagination¹ 🎶
Once upon a time
…my mind was a frequent visitor to the playground of infinite possibilities. In this vibrant world, the only rule was there weren’t any. The colours and geography of my wonderland contoured to the seasonal shape of my every heart’s whim and desire.
Scrumptious mud pies were carved from the earth’s leaves and dirt. A lavish home was created under the canopy of a lemon tree. Stretching out my feet higher into the sky as I swung higher and stronger surely meant I was touching the clouds. The sky was no limit!
Soon I could no longer see my creations as I was finally allowed to see the “man behind the curtain.”
🎵 We’ll begin with a spin
Traveling in the world of my creation
What we’ll see will defy explanation🎶
It was an ordinary day like no other
Mom called for an important meeting. She sat my sister and me on the sofa. I couldn’t tell if this was good or bad news. I can’t ever recall another time when we were asked to sit down for an important announcement. She did not delay; she just blurted it right out.
“Santa is not real. Dad and I are the ones who have filled your stockings and have given you these gifts all these years. You’re now old enough to know. As we prepare for this new Christmas season, we’ve decided that it’s time you know.”
🎵If you want to view paradise
Simply look around and view it
Anything you want to do, do it🎶
Wait? What just happened?
Mom’s words shattered the glass bubble in seconds. I instantly felt the weight of my feet touch the ground. The sadness that moved in was the realization that I would never be able to sit inside that glass bubble again.
Now I was privileged to the “real grown-up” reality.
I bid my imagined world farewell.
There was no trauma.
There was no anger.
Simply disappointment — the door was shut tight.
I would no longer hear the reindeer’s bell ring again.
I caught its glimpse once again
I became a mom. Three little boys created worlds of their own imagination.
Obstacle courses were built to test their physical abilities. I often smiled at the sight of creative worlds where trains met one another and collided in elaborate designs.
I watched in wonderment as my sons cheered and yelled, “Mom, it was the GOAT!” Neighborhood boys sweaty from their invented game, filled my kitchen in merriment, celebrating a match that would live in their memory for years to come!
And each Christmas season, they too squealed at the delight that Santa would make their dreams come true. Their eyes light up with anticipation and excitement!
My sons often reminded me of my forgotten bubble. My heart took great delight in watching them experience the magic of Christmas morning. It was a joy like no other.
🎼Want to change the world, there’s nothing to it
There is no life I know
To compare with pure imagination
Living there, you’ll be free
If you truly wish to be 🎵
I asked my sons this question
“How do you feel about us breaking the news about Santa when we did and will you create the Santa fantasy for your kids if you are a father one day?”
“I don’t feel upset or have any recollection of being disturbed by it, I think deep down I probably knew. I think I’ll do the same and perhaps tell my kids around 6 or 7, and then explain to them the metaphor of what Santa represents as an example of giving and kindness,” shared my eldest.
All three sons concurred.
I sense they understand the magic of what occurs when we let our imaginations run freely. It seems they too will share with their children, if that is in their cards.
I wondered, “Wouldn’t it be a greater gift if I continued to allow my imagination to be alive and share that with them as well?”
🎼If you want to see magic lands
Close your eyes and you will see one
Want to be a dreamer, be one
Anytime you please
And please save me one🎶
A world of my imagination
I’ve recently been deeply touched by the words of affirmation and loving encouragement from family and friends. They have made me wonder, “Do they imagine and see more in me than I do in myself?”
🎼Come with me and you’ll be
In a world of pure imagination 🎶
How is that so? Why?
How have I become so careful — so rigid?
Am I a dreamer?
The world of pure imagination does not belong to children alone.
🎼Take a look and you’ll see into your imagination
There is no place to go to compare with your imagination
So go there to be free
If you truly wish to be 🎶
I’m taking it for a spin again
Along the way, some of us box up our imagination with a pretty bow and tuck it away as memorabilia. We dust off the box and pull out its contents on a rainy day only to quickly put it away due to the pressing day-to-day responsibilities of being an adult.
Today I opened my box, and the tears poured down my cheek. I mourned the loss but also understood — this does not have to be a part of my past.
To imagine — to walk, live, and breathe in the world of my creation — is entirely up to me.
Taking a spin and defying explanations — nurtures our spirits with hope and passion to live in a world that needs people who believe in dreams — who are willing to take action believing we can do better if we just imagine.
Imagine the possibilities!
🎶Living there you’ll be free
X
If you truly wish to be 🎵