As far as I can remember I have always loved getting lost in my thoughts. Much like many children, I would pretend and replay my favorite TV shows and movies. Countless hours were spent in the forests, back yards and parks as a child pretending to be Billy the Blue Power Ranger with his Triceratops Zord. Or taking my team of six Pokemon to face the Elite Four and the champion of the Pokemon League. Even pretending I was in the main event of Wrestlemania for the WWF title in front of hundreds of thousands of fans. My main source of inspiration came in the form of my favorite movie as a kid, and still to this day: Disney’s “Fantasia” from 1940. The movie highlights seven of the most famous classical pieces from the world over set to animation that highlighted the music and told a story. Fantasia is responsible for my obsession with classical music and dinosaurs.
Psychology suggests, and I support, the idea of allowing children to explore play with their imaginations. Children who have vivid imagination have been shown to show success in academics. Imaginative children are often found having more success socially. Children with active imaginations are more often seen as multi-interest, multi-talented people. Children have the innate ability to ask questions to life’s problems. The natural curiosity that fuels a young child’s inquisitive nature also allows room for the imagination to go to work. The world is new and full of infante questions. In some respects, many people envy children who have not been exposed to the harsh realities of the world. However, somewhere between childhood and becoming a adolescent, the questions stop. The innate curiosity of childhood gives weigh to the rigid truths of life. Those adolescents grow into teenagers and young adults who put to side the imaginative ways of youth. With all of the psychological, academic and social benefits that come from being imaginative, it is baffling that more adults do very little to support that aspect of their brain and personality. The reason could be that adults have to operate in reality whereas a child does not have to be burdened with the issues of real life.
Being someone who works closely with the arts, the imaginative and creative aspects of my brain have been in overdrive in recent years. Even dealing with the ugly and harsh lessons of life, some of my favorite hobbies involve losing myself in video games, discussing Harry Potter fan theories, and yes even creative writing in various capacities. This is supported by my Harry Potter house affiliation, Ravenclaw the house known for intelligence and creativity. And my Myers Briggs personality INFJ. Taken from the web page 16personalities.com here is a brief intro on this personality.
An Advocate (INFJ) is someone with the Introverted, Intuitive, Feeling, and Judging personality traits. They tend to approach life with deep thoughtfulness and imagination. Their inner vision, personal values, and a quiet, principled version of humanism guide them in all things.
https://www.16personalities.com/infj-personality
While having an active imagination is not a sole attribute Ravenclaws or INFJs, it does make sense that having these two identifiers as far as my personality goes. I firmly believe that the imagination should be engaged as much as possible as adults. Part of the appeal of well fed imagination is the idea of keeping your mind sharp well into advanced years of living. It is also beneficial to lose yourself in something you love, even if it takes you on a ride to the furthers outskirts of creativity.
Take Care and Be Well,
YFBF
Below I have included a link to the Myers Briggs test for yourself.
https://www.myersbriggs.org/my-mbti-personality-type/take-the-mbti-instrument/
Your First Black Friend 