Let’s Replace Fear with Beauty

As I sit on a bus listening to the kids laugh and talk my mind begins to wander. I remember being this age and loving field trips. The teachers were more relaxed with rules and I got to talk to my friends as much as I wanted. We played games like rock paper scissors or any number of other clapping games, we sang songs, and just enjoyed laughing together. For the most part bus rides haven’t changed. Kids still talk, laugh, and play games, but now they ask to bring their phones to play on as well.

The thing that has changed the most is my perspective. Instead of feeling excited about the ride, as a teacher, I think about all the things that could go wrong as well as how loud it’s going to get. I know it will be a great experience and I will have a great time watching my students enjoy themselves, even so, I tend to dread it on the days that lead up to the actual event. Once the event is over and we are riding home on the bus I can’t wait to get home. Today feels different, my heart is full as I listen to the kids still excited about the experience they had, and having fun laughing and talking together.

I am reminded of the potential of children in these moments. They have their whole lives ahead of them and most haven’t been bogged down by the stresses of life. Even if they do feel bogged down normally, the field trip is their opportunity to let go and have fun! The students feel creative and free to be the best versions of themselves, most of the time anyway. As an adult there isn’t a teacher there telling us what to do, instead, we are governed by bills, work, family, pets, health, fears, responsibility. In the midst of all the stress we forget that we too have potential. Children aren’t the only ones who can effect change. Sure, children have more time ahead of them, but life is about quality not quantity. When I create art I often feel like a child riding on a bus. I am free to be creative and express all of my emotions without fear of judgment or worry about responsibility. The stress of the world melts away as I give my emotions a creative outlet. In those moments the end result doesn’t matter because it’s all about the expression. While it isn’t always easy to get to that place in my mind, it is always the place I strive to be. I try to see the world through the eyes of a child riding on a school bus going on a field trip.

Our field trip happened before the schools in my state shut down due to COVID-19 and I have to admit that I feel lucky we were able to have one last trip before the chaos began. The students could have a moment where they weren’t worried about being too close to their friends or worry about family members getting sick. As we face this new and hopefully temporary reality it is my hope that we can find opportunities to feel like the child on a field trip. Create small moments in our daily lives to let go of our stresses and be free.

During my time away from my normal daily life I am going to try to create something new and beautiful to share with you. It may not be everyday, but I am going to strive to be creative everyday even if it is a project that lasts a few days. Stay tuned to see what I come up with. I’ll keep my Instagram up to date. I’d also love to see pictures of your new creations as well. Let’s place fear with beauty. Who’s with me? If you feel like sharing with me please add your pictures to Facebook or Instagram and #thystledesign Feel free time share with your friends and family so they too can be take part. Below is a picture of one project I have begun that I will continue stay tuned for more!

Until next time my friends...Keep on creating!