Harold and the Purple Crayon

a reflection on a book by Crockett Johnson

There’s a Harold in all of us. But, sadly, he often gets lost when we grow up. Harold (the innocent, all-powerful, all trusting child) is untouched by the “lessons” we are supposed to learn…That we have to be careful…and safe…and do what we are told to do. Harold knows that he already has everything he needs. To him life is simply a wonderful adventure and he creates whatever he wants to bring into his world by drawing it with his purple crayon and then letting the fun begin.

On a purely intuitive level, Harold knows that he is creating his life. He embraces this gift and is grateful, making choices that are delightful, supportive, adventurous and full of bliss. He is happy and hopeful and his purple sketches reflect these beautiful treasures. So he draws more of “happy” and “hopeful”.

This delightful creature is not just a fantasy. He is accessible to all of us. Ideally, the journeys of our lives will ultimately lead us back to the realization that Harold is still in our hearts, waiting to be let out to play.


I went for a walk tonight and heard the melodious crickets chirping with
the rhythm of life so I am going to draw more crickets and more musical
notes.


I received some beautiful emails from my friends this week so I am going
to draw more friends and more email messages.


I saw the powerful waves at Grand Haven last week wash majestically over
the pier and so I am going to draw even bigger waves.


Thank you...is the message of my heart. Thank you…and I’ll have more.

Harold, the magical creature, is our child heart's manifestation of our desire for connection with the beauty and hopefulness of life…a dream we all share.

What could the purple crayon do for you?


"Every child is an artist.
The problem is how to remain an artist once he grows up."

Pablo Picasso