Beginning a Journey – Any Journey

Here’s an excerpt from the book “THE DOT” by Peter Reynolds:

“Art class was over, but Vashti sat glued to her chair.

Her paper was empty.

Vashti’s teacher leaned over the blank paper.

“Ah! A polar bear in a snowstorm,” she said.

“Very funny,” said Vashti. “I just CAN’T draw.” 

The teacher smiled.

“Just make a mark and see where it takes you.”

I won’t reveal what occurs next, how the story unfolds, or what happens to Vashti. However, I can assure you that drawing (or composing, or baking, or playing chess, or developing any skill) is like taking a journey. And journeys begin with a single step. One mark, or one word, note, ingredient, or move can be the beginning of an adventure, creative expression, or a learning curve. A step leads to another and another, akin to ascending a staircase or traversing paving stones on a path. Over time, you progress—and perhaps your strides even inspire others!

In the story, Vashti is stuck. She isn’t sure how to proceed, and she lacks confidence in her ability. Sometimes when I write, I get stuck, too. I look at my blank computer screen and wonder which words (out of millions) I should use. So, to gain composure, I may sip a cold drink, have a cup of tea, do some stretches, go for a walk outside, or close my eyes and take deep breaths. 

Writing can be difficult. It took Peter Reynolds a year and a half to write and illustrate his short storybook, The Dot. And it takes Vashti quite a while to figure things out. Yet, writing (or drawing) can be very gratifying! A blank page or screen or note pad is like a pristine lake at dawn—before the water has been disturbed. Wading in and rippling still waters can be exhilarating. But wait! What if there are tangly weeds, or hungry alligators, or it’s icy cold? It can be scary! Ways forward can be unfamiliar, and outcomes are unknown. This kind of thinking can be worrisome for kids. (And adults…) However, there are options.

POSSIBILITIES

Basically, someone who feels mired or impeded has three alternatives. 

1. Stay still. Do nothing and go nowhere. 
2. Turn back. And never know what might have been. 
3. Move ahead. Take a chance.

The third option represents how journeys get underway. How creativity evolves. How skills develop. How advancements begin. How learning accrues. This often involves taking a reasonable risk—a leap of faith. 

LEAPING!?!?

When taking a chance, it’s helpful to have others around who can offer encouragement and support, and who can provide a “safety net” as the journey gets underway. Parents, teachers, grandparents, other family members, friends, and caregivers can provide children guidance, reassurance, and help them build confidence.  Strategies to help kids let go of doubts include encouraging them to think about their strengths and what they already know and can do. 

A “leap” is one way in which journeys begin, although some people prefer a more cautious approach. Regardless, here are four suggestions for kids as they embark on their journeys: 

1. Try not to worry about outcomes or endpoints. Concentrate on the going and the doing. It may be messy or chaotic, challenging, or fun, steady or inconsistent.  Whatever, it’s okay. Progress is progress. 
2. Consider listening to music or stories as you go. What’s calming? Or motivating?
3.  Share your path with others. Respect their suggestions and viewpoints. Be kind to them along the way. 
4. If you encounter difficulties, don’t fret. Revise, improve, retrace steps, practise, tinker. Accept that these are all part of the journeying experience. 

LAST WORDS

Regardless of age, embarking on a journey (creative or otherwise) presents opportunities. Often, journeyers advance and flourish in unexpected ways. Why not follow the example set by Vashti’s teacher, and encourage children to “make a mark”—to take that first step, select a few words or notes or ingredients—and to take pride and pleasure in navigating the pathway, wherever it may lead. 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Dr. Joanne Foster is an award-winning author of several books, including IGNITE YOUR IDEAS: CREATIVITY FOR KIDS  (2025 Bronze Medalist, Moonbeam Children’s Book Award in the category of Nonfiction – Chapter Book). For resources on learning, creativity, productivity, children’s well-being, and more, go to https://joannefoster.ca