The vast majority of families take at least one vacation a year which usually involves traveling to a foreign city and seeing the sights of the downtown area. Yet there are challenges in traveling with young children which can result in added stress for the parents. A stay in a Toronto hotel alone while on business is a completely different experience from that of staying at a downtown hotel with two young children. Often by simply doing some research ahead of time, these stresses can be eliminated altogether.
One day I suggested that my friend and her kids and I should have a coloring party. We could have hot dogs, chips and ice cream and all color together, with the TV off, of course. We had a blast and we plan to do this once a month. Since then I have made it a practice to color in my books at least once or twice a week. This time is very relaxing for me and gives my mind a much needed break and its just plain fun. I think it is sad that we abandon, as adults, the fun things that we engaged in as kids. Just because we grow up doesnt mean we have to stop having innocent fun. I know it sounds simple, but try picking up a coloring book with images in it you can relate to and color inside or outside the lines if you want. Maybe even just scribble, but allow yourself to get in touch with the less serious side of yourself for a little while.
The art of coloring is a simple joy. All you need is a coloring book and your choice of tools. From here you can immerse yourself fully into the craft without agonizing about what to make, how to read the pattern, and how will it turn out? Coloring is a a form of meditation. There is something truly hypnotizing that happens with you sit down with a fresh box of pencil crayons, choose the color that jumps out at you and begin your journey into the page. Time loses its grip on the mind and enables the color-er to become present in the moment, in the line and in the color gliding onto the paper.
