If I were to visit your office, what would I see? Would I see a desk, file cabinet, phone, and other functional items from a typical office, but nothing that would give you that creative spark?

If you have children, do you have something your children have drawn for you in your office? Something that makes you smile when you look at it?

Do you have a picture on the wall that is special to you in some way?

I collect little animals that open up, and there’s usually something inside. They’re collectible boxes, normally by Harmony Kingdom. I have a whole curio cabinet full of them in my office. They’re just one part of my inspiration. The hippo in today’s picture is part of my collection, and his tummy opens up and is full of baby alligators.

At the end of one of our workshops, we were all sitting around talking. One of our students wandered into a gift shop. He bought two little Disney pins, the type that the heads wiggle. He told me that he had no idea what he was going to do with them, but they just made him smile.

I couldn’t agree more. When did you last buy something that made you smile? Put it in your office. That could be your creative inspiration.

Do you have candles in your office? An oil lamp? Treat yourself to the new bamboo oil reeds. A relaxing scent can certainly make you smile . . . and help you relax.

Today’s Assignment

If you don’t have anything personal in your office, find something and bring it to work. Bring your Lego house to the office. It will make a great conversation piece!

It doesn’t have to be expensive. I bought a $3 “happy flower” stuffed toy at a toy store the other day, and it’s draped across my flip chart. I doubt children would like the toy, but I love it.

If you work in a chair with your laptop, find something fun and place it on the end table beside your chair. All you want is something that makes you smile.

And smiling is so important in life . . . isn’t it?

Robin