Exercise 7: The Power of Imagination (AKA Treat Yo Self!)
Called for Adventure: 12 Exercises to Discover and Live Your Life’s Calling
Exercise 7: The Power of Imagination
Before we dive in, a quick reminder: this is part of a 12-exercise journey to help you discover and live your life’s calling.
If you’re new here, start with Exercise 1: Committing to the Process
The first six exercises have all lived inside your journal.
Today, you may not be expecting this, but put your journal away.
We won’t be using it.
Today is about something else — your imagination.
Reclaiming Your Childlike Imagination
When we’re kids, imagination is effortless.
A stick becomes a sword.
A towel becomes a cape.
An empty backyard becomes an entire world.
We didn’t have to try to imagine — it was just how we lived.
Then we grew up.
And somewhere between jobs, bills, and being “responsible,” we forgot how to play.
But that part of you isn’t gone.
It’s still in there, waiting for you to remember.
And if you’re going to uncover your calling, you’ll need to wake that part up again.
Because imagination isn’t optional — it’s essential.
Neuroscientists have shown that play activates the same parts of the brain that drive creativity, problem-solving, and emotional resilience.
In other words: people who play more aren’t just happier — they’re more adaptable, insightful, and alive.
So yes, this exercise might feel silly. It might feel like a waste of time.
But it’s not.
It’s the bridge between who you’ve been and who you’re becoming.
Your Work: Take Yourself on an Artist Date
In her classic book The Artist’s Way, Julia Cameron introduced something she calls the Artist Date — and that’s what we’re doing this week.
She defines it like this:
“Artist Dates are assigned play. The Artist Date is a once-weekly, festive, solo expedition to explore something that interests you. The Artist Date need not be overtly ‘artistic’ — think mischief more than mastery... When choosing an Artist Date, it is good to ask yourself, ‘What sounds fun?’ — and then allow yourself to try it.” — Julia Cameron
I know some of you don’t see yourselves as artists.
That’s fine.
But trust me — this works for everyone.
Set aside at least one hour this week (more if you want) for a solo adventure that sounds fun to you.
Not productive. Not purposeful. Just fun.
Here are some ideas to get you started:
Visit a used bookstore and wander.
Go to a record store and listen to an album you loved as a kid.
Spend time in a toy store, thrift shop, comic book store, or museum.
Take a drive or walk with no destination.
Go to the zoo or aquarium or beach or mountains.
Sit in a park and draw, daydream, or just watch people.
The only rule: go alone.
No spouse. No kids. No friends.
Just you — and your imagination.
Why It Matters
When I do this, I find myself reconnecting with that nerdy, creative, funny kid I used to be.
I remember what joy feels like without needing a reason for it.
And something magical happens:
That inner kid starts whispering things adult-me had stopped hearing.
My guess is yours will too.
So go outside and play this week.
Do something that makes absolutely no sense to anyone else — but makes perfect sense to you.
Let your inner child out.
Let them play.
Free them.
They’ve been waiting.
Want to give yourself the best chance to actually do this?
Open your calendar app now and schedule it.
Find an hour for yourself. It matters.