#5 Clubhouse Rules

You’re listening to mornings with Mary where I share everyday thoughts about everyday things before my second cup of coffee. [[coffee machine noise]] I think I’ve been on a personal journey of self-expression and uncovering what it is I actually want to do. I still don’t have an answer yet, just so we’re clear. But I did try this exercise where I thought back to all the games and crafts and imaginary worlds that I created as a kid and I had completely forgotten about this club I created. I mean complete with a rulebook, ID cards, and of course a secret password. As I went down the list, I realized that most of these are some form of like world creation, world building. I’m not sure what this means yet, but I seem to create best with limited resources, a defined setting, and a blank slate. I apparently can’t seem to stop myself from structuring fun. So maybe creativity lives in our unadulterated worlds from childhood. I looked up the definition of unadulterated, which led to adulterated and finally just adulterate, which basically means to dilute or pollute. So here’s that exercise for you. Next time you’re feeling off uninspired or just cringy, think back to something that brought you joy before the age of 12. Maybe it was a kid’s book where you really only cared about the pictures or that deep cut straight to TV movie, a dumb game you played in the pool, a habitat you made for a stuffed animal, anything. Make a list of these things and just keep thinking. Think of the places you spent the most time and the other kids you met. Write down all of those things. When you’ve figured it out, I’ll let you into my club. [[coffee machine beeping]] This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit mhonline.substack.com