I was once a child, full of wonder and excitement for the future. I dreamed of exotic pets, vibrant pink walls, and endless nights of fun. Now, in my mid-30s, I find myself in a rut, my days blending into a predictable routine of gym, work, cooking, cleaning, and collapsing on the sofa. I feel like I've lost the spark, the playful energy that once fueled my childhood imagination. But can I get it back? Can I rediscover the joy and creativity that seemed so natural to me as a child? I turn to Austin Kleon, the author of 'Steal Like an Artist' and 'Don't Call It Art', for guidance. Kleon, a man brimming with energy and ideas, has sold millions of books and shares his creative wisdom through a popular Substack newsletter. But even he had his moments of stagnation, feeling lost and uninspired. What helped him get out of his slump? His children, Owen and Jules. Kleon realized that being around his kids, with their boundless energy and fearlessness, reminded him of what he had lost. He learned from them how to get his spark back. Kleon's new book, 'Don't Call It Art', is a guide to creating like a kid again. It's not about art, but about making stuff, messing around, and following your nose. It's about embracing curiosity and play, and allowing yourself to be a beginner again. I decide to give Kleon's advice a try. I clear my desk, a small space in my bedroom, and imagine it as my daily playtime. I take a newspaper and, inspired by Kleon's blackout poetry, I transform a story about darts by covering up words and leaving others exposed. The process is engrossing and relaxing, a welcome break from the digital world. I draw a scene from a temple wall in Egypt, and make a thank you card for a friend. I realize that making something with my hands, away from a screen, feels incredibly good. I'm reminded of the deleterious effects of digital devices, and how a quiet, analogue activity can be a relief. Kleon's advice to find what I really, really like is also insightful. I decide to get into ancient Egypt, a childlike special interest that feels like discovering a hidden room. I learn that sometimes, all I need to do is change my perspective, to zag instead of zig. But what about the practicalities? How can I make time for play when I feel like I don't have enough resources? Kleon teaches me that even tiny experiments and changes in routine can make a big difference. He encourages me to be my own parent, to meet my own needs, and to prioritize play. He suggests volunteering to be a babysitter, or hanging out with children, to tap into that childlike energy again. In the end, I realize that getting my spark back is not about finding the perfect solution, but about taking small steps and embracing the joy of the process. It's about being a beginner again, and allowing myself to explore and play. And that's the key to rediscovering the joy and creativity that once fueled my childhood imagination.
