I was reading an article in “The Costco Connection” today. Yeah, I know. Who reads The Costco Connection? Better yet, who doesn’t toss it into the recycle bin as soon as they lay hands on it? I usually do, but this time a picture on the front cover caught my eye; a picture of Sir Ken Robinson who I had the pleasure of hearing speak not too long ago. Sir Ken is recognized as one who looks at schooling from a different perspective; thinks outside of the box and has begun a revolution in educating young students and seeing tremendous results.

Thinking outside the box. Dreaming. Creating. I like this quote of his: “If you’re not prepared to be wrong, you’ll never come up with anything original.” Profound, isn’t it?

I was thoroughly captivated by this man when he spoke at a company meeting a couple years back, and it’s nice to see his work continuing to move forward. I think I’ll go out and purchase one of his books…

I mention all this to say that we should never let outside influences squelch our creative process, and equally be careful not to squelch that of others…especially our children’s. If it were not for people who think outside the box (or differently than is socially recognized and/or dictated), we wouldn’t have some of the cures we have for various illnesses and disease. Who knows, one day someone who thinks differently may just come up with something that will help Ryan get back to his old self?