From a very young age, kids are asked repeatedly “what do you want to be when you grow up?”
At first, it’s for fun. The possibilities are endless. Kids are full of hope and their dreams for the future full of imagination. Wild aspirations are expressed absent any self- imposed limitations, are characterized by heartfelt determination, and are unencumbered by the awareness of obstacles. Nothing is considered silly. Being a painter in the jungle or a famous belly-dancing doctor – or both – seems entirely within reach.
Before long, the question becomes more serious and kids begin to perceive the significance of their response. Grownups, amused by the innocence, are bursting with encouragement, but because their perspective has been shaped by experience, just a hint of resignation can also be heard. “I remember when I was young,” they will reminisce “I wanted to be a (insert impossible dream here), but I was good at (insert school subject here) so I became a (insert predetermined profession/comfortable but boring job here)” .
Why do we decide to leave silly behind? Why do we forfeit fun for funds? When is it that unique and original aspiration must turn to conventional ambition, and how does it happen that only a lucky few figure it all out way before they end up confined to a cubicle?
When I was a kid, Muppeteer was high on my list. Looking back, I’m not sure when or why I ruled it out, but in retrospect I might have preferred to stick with the silly. Now I know that silly sometimes does turn to enormous success, if the fire of imagination is fueled and feelings of fun are taken seriously.
I was – and still am – a huge fan of The Muppets, and to me Jim Henson’s genius, his creativity and his contribution cannot be understated. This is a man who stuck with silly and who managed to make a living, enrich the lives of others, and leave an incredible legacy – all by the sheer force of his own imagination. How inspiring is that – for kids and adults alike?
So, I was delighted to recently discover the new Muppets Studio Channel on YouTube. I have not laughed this hard in way too long, and would be remiss if I didn’t pass along the link.
May these new Muppet videos make you laugh with abandon and swap silly for serious, if only for a moment or two…
I also recently discovered that the Muppets were back and reincarnated in their new YouTube form. I can honestly say that it was the best early holiday gift I could have received! Beautiful!