by Anease Lacaze

Created on: October 09, 2008

I have always been a dreamer, and entirely insatiable. I suppose my imagination is to blame. Sometimes, I sit for minutes or even hours, allowing my mind to wander- just to see where it goes. My thoughts gallop through an array or hopes, dreams and aspirations. I meander through my thoughts as if they were flowers. Row after row of perfectly arranged buds, each one significant and meaningful. I give my imagination free reign over my mind; I could never entertain myself otherwise. It comforts me, and gives me strength. My imagination carries me through life, making each day more exciting, more dream-like. I roam meadows and pine forests in my dreams- why not when I am awake? My imagination is much more than a retreat for mindless thoughts and offbeat plans. I use my imagination as an escape, and as a tool to create.

When I was a child, my imagination was "overactive." My imaginary posse included a whole slew of playmates, none of which lasted into adolescence. But I was independent, and self-aware. I knew how to create an entirely new world, in my mind, where only I could play. Cups turned into ice cream cones when my view skewed correctly, and my bedroom- a photography studio. I feel lucky; I honed my creativity at a very young age. I needed not depend on anyone for amusement. I pretended for hours, quietly by myself. Silent conversations with myself are of immeasurable importance; I learn who I am and where I am going. Without my imagination, life would have bored me right into adulthood. But rather, I grew from a wild-eyed child into a visionary.

As an adult, imagination rules my life. When I sit down to write a new piece, I delve deep into my imagination. I reach back as far as possible, for I never know just what I will find. I become that child, naive with hope and fresh to possibility. My childlike notion of utopia: golden waterfalls, glittering walkways made of candy, is nothing short of reality when my mind wants it to be. I am still creating my own world, complete with all of my childhood fantasies. Imagination is freeing. Emotions flood my being when my mind is open, and I adore the feeling. Nothing is quite as fulfilling as being at the mercy of your mind. Perhaps it is a lack of control that I desire most, an ability to be free from adult vices. With my imagination throttled at high, I can sink deeper and push further than I expected. My imagination empowers me; I can accomplish anything with my imagination at my side. Together, we have tackled over a quarter of a century, and I cannot help but wonder where it will take me next.

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