A Little Whimsy

The moment we have fully succumbed to Adultitis is the moment we turn down a twisty straw for a regular one.

The mane on this giraffe is pink and purple. In the early stage of this painting, the spots were different colors, too.

But as it developed, I decided to go with more natural colors. Except for the mane, of course.

And that whimsical twisty straw.

The moment we have fully succumbed to Adultitis is the moment we turn down a twisty straw for a regular one.

Would you like to generate a little bit more positive word of mouth for your business? Maybe improve employee morale and engagement? See your customer satisfaction ratings rise? Attract more people to your association or cause? Would you be interested in making life feel a little bit more magical? Here’s the secret: Add a little whimsy.

Please note! I said “a little.” Like a single drop of food coloring in a pitcher of water, a little whimsy is enough to transform everything.

For me, the giraffe in this painting represents this concept:

Too much whimsy and no one takes you seriously. Just the right amount and the world takes notice.

Let me give you an example. One of my favorite things about Canada are the walk signs. I’ve been trying to figure out why. I think it’s because he has cute little feet and seems a bit more laid back in posture compared to his U.S. cousin, who is in a more forward-leaning position (giving the feeling of being in a hurry). Plus, he has no feet. (Maybe he’s hunched over in pain?)

See what I mean? I think the U.S. walk signs have Adultitis. It’s a subtle difference, almost imperceptible, but I’d much rather be the fellow on the left, wouldn’t you?

Just a little bit of whimsy is enough to remind you of the child that still lives inside. The one secretly sticking its tongue out at your idiot boss. The one that knows that even though you have to fill out that tax form doesn’t mean you have to like it. The one who believes in having fun simply for the joy of it.

Something like wearing colorful socks, dying a pink streak in your hair, or adding some stickers to your laptop lets Adultitis know there’s a new sheriff in town.

It adds a little color and zest to a life that may have veered too far into the gray.

On the whole, it’s tempting to see these little touches as frivolous, superfluous, and insignificant. But they actually do something quite important: They have the power to uplift the human spirit.

Something we need now more than ever.

Whenever you can add a little gladness and gaiety to a person’s day, do it. P.T. Barnum once said, “The noblest art is that of making others happy.”

Never underestimate the power of a little whimsy.