
In my Creative Room, I have three custom canvas paintings on the wall. These paintings were created by my three kids when they were 3, 4, and 5. The 3-year-old painted a smudging of colors together, creating a mixture of paint colors. The 4-year-old painted with more distinct brush strokes and separation of colors. The 5-year-old painted specific objects on the canvas. There are five distinct figures (signifying the five members of our family) each with arms, legs, and a head with some facial features. Each person on the canvas has a different color for head and body that complement each other. There are also lines of color evident of green grass, blue sky, and a yellow sun. What I remember most about that day, as we sat around the kitchen table with fresh canvas and paint, was the sense of adventure and wonder for what they could create.
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What I like about these paintings is that each one signifies ways to see the world. How a child sees and expresses at age 3 can be quite different than at age 5. And these changes in how we express ourselves within the world doesn’t stop at the end of our childhood. Our development continues as long as we are open to growing and learning, we merely need to continue to seek adventure and wonder about what this life offers.
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Even when life becomes difficult for us, we can keep the sense of adventure and wonder to make it through any phase with vigor. Keep in mind that if it’s rough, it’s just one phase of many we will experience. As long as we proceed with a feeling of adventure and wonder we can continue to grow and learn.
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I am at the cusp of a new phase of life as my children transition out of high school and leave for college. I am rediscovering ways to look to the future with adventure and wonder. As time for myself and my husband begin to open up again after decades of kids scheduled events, a feeling of renewal has awakened. This is becoming more evident as I encroach upon on my 50th birthday. During this next phase, I am determined to live life in my 50s like I did in my 20s, with a sense of adventure and wonder for who I will become.
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The first half of my century of life is coming to a close. While I have yet to personally meet a centenarian (someone who has reached the age of 100 years) I know they exist. I know that they have most likely lived many experiences one could encounter throughout a lifetime. So, as you proceed through this life, seek the adventure and wonder. You never who you will become.
KerryOn Questions
-Â Which phase of life have you grown and learned from the most?
- In what ways have you approached your life with a sense of adventure and wonder?
- How can you seek the adventure and wonder in your next phase of life?
The Kerry behind KerryOn
My name is Kerry K. Fierke, Ed.D. (pron. Fear-Key) I have a unique combination of skills and experience – decades of fast-paced corporate experience in Fortune 100 companies and large health care organizations, combined with the academic rigor of a highly ranked research university. My focus is supporting others to create their own path to leadership development, lifelong learning, and a unique leadership legacy. Take a moment to focus on leadership, then KerryOn!
To see all KerryOn's and other leadership stuff, visit www.kerrykfierke.com.
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