I recently became aware of Sitters Studio, an artistic childcare agency that provides “artisitting”—a service involving a professional artist who cares for others’ children while engaging them in creative activities.
Projects vary from coloring with crayons to choreographing a dance to writing and performing a play. It’s a win/win situation, where children are engaged in enriching activities, allowing artists to do and share what they love while generating an income. The best “artisitters” personalize the experience with a bag of tricks, consisting of props, supplies and ideas to give their charges the opportunity to individually express themselves.
I love the concept of imbuing what might be considered a mundane service with a creative spirit that makes it a memorable and life-enhancing experience. It’s what great concierges have been doing for their guests for years. Not only does it exemplify the “Spirit of Service” I talk about in my speeches and workshops, it is the very essence of artistry. It engages all participants in creative pursuits, and the very act of combining two seemingly disparate activities to manifest something new and unique is sheer brilliance.
It makes me think of how all of us might leverage our imaginations, talents and skills to come up with new opportunities and possibilities to turn the mundane into the extraordinary—both for others and ourselves. Whether it involves combining two of our passions or skills or simply adding special touches to an otherwise everyday transaction, we can create experiences to remember and enrich our own lives in the process.
I invite you to consider your livelihood—maybe even your entire life—for a minute. If you feel you’re falling into a rut, make a list of all your skills, talents, and most importantly, your passions. Now, activate your imagination. How might you connect the dots and invent something new that will enhance your life and the lives you touch?