It seems that as we get older we tend to notice things less. Our lives are busy, our minds are always churning away at what we need to do today, tomorrow, or what we did yesterday. Being more observant, and curious, can enable us write better stories, make little changes in our lives, and maybe experience life more fully.
Wearing Blinders
Often we go through each day wearing blinders, sometimes to the point that we’re so immersed in our routines that we might wonder if we completed a routine task—or if that was yesterday as time blends together.
Children usually go through their days blinder-free, filled with curiosity and the tendency to notice everything. Here are just a few examples of how my girls used to remove my blinders when they were younger.
Twins: “When did you go to New York?”
Me: (At the time, I’d never been to New York.) “I haven’t.”
Twins: “Why do you wear that shirt that says New York on it?”
Me: Confused. “I don’t.” Sure enough, one of my favorite shirts
Me: Confused. “I don’t.” Sure enough, one of my favorite shirts
said New York
Twins: “I know what your favorite room is.”
Me: “What?”
Twins: “The laundry room, because you’re always in there.”
Me: Vows to get out of the laundry room more.
Twins: “I know what your favorite color is.”
Me: Thinking they will say mauve, black or purple. “What?”
Twins: “Green. Most of your shirts are green.”
Me: Checks closet and vows to go shopping soon.
Me: “Have a good time at daycare.”
Twins: “Why can’t we stay home today with you?”
Me: “I’m going to work.”
Twins: Wailing. “No you’re not, you’re not wearing your work clothes.”
Me: …Caught in a fib planning a quiet day off
Taking Off The Blinders
We spend a lot of time in our home, or other personal spaces, and tend to stop truly seeing things other than what we expect to see. Gain a fresh perspective on your life, personal space, or your story, by taking off your blinders, thinking out of the box, or opening the door for something more than ordinary.
Allow your childlike curiosity to guide you and ask “why” or consider what might be possible when:
- You’re world building in your story, or adding some unique character traits or making an ordinary experience into your extraordinary story
- You’re spending time at home and look around with a fresh eye, or from a different angle by standing or sitting somewhere new. Maybe things could be reorganized better, or colors might not match, or would look better in another area or room. This might allow you to make something old look new again.
You don’t have to be a child to embrace the extraordinary and believe in magic. You just have to look a little closer —and maybe take off your blinders.
Author Bio: Maureen Bonatch grew up in small town Pennsylvania and her love of the four seasons—hockey, biking, sweat pants and hibernation—keeps her there. While immersed in writing or reading paranormal romance and fantasy, she survives on caffeine, wine, music, and laughter. A feisty Shih Tzu keeps her in line. Find Maureen on her website, Facebook & Twitter
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