Our imaginations are strong as children. Sometimes they get shoved aside, these imaginations. They get dusty and mildewed with age. The imagination is a muscle that has to be put to use or it shrivels.

Julianna Baggott’s quote, "Our imaginations are strong as children. Sometimes they get shoved aside, these imaginations. They get dusty and mildewed with age. The imagination is a muscle that has to be put to use or it shrivels," speaks to the power and vibrancy of imagination in childhood and the gradual loss of that imaginative strength as we grow older. As children, our imaginations are often boundless, allowing us to create entire worlds, explore limitless possibilities, and dream freely. However, as we age, society and life’s demands often push imagination aside in favor of practicality and routine.

Baggott’s reference to imagination becoming dusty and mildewed suggests that without proper care or nurturing, our creative abilities can become stagnant. She compares imagination to a muscle that requires regular use to remain strong and active. If neglected, it can weaken and atrophy, much like any other part of our body that isn’t exercised. This comparison emphasizes the importance of actively engaging with our creativity to keep it fresh and alive.

The quote also serves as a reminder that imagination is not an innate, static trait but rather a dynamic force that requires attention and exercise. In adulthood, as the demands of life and responsibilities take over, we often lose sight of the value of fostering our creative abilities. Baggott highlights the need for intentional effort to maintain and cultivate our imaginative capacities, rather than allowing them to be forgotten or overlooked.

Ultimately, Baggott encourages us to reconnect with the power of our imagination, urging us to see it as a living, breathing part of ourselves that can bring us joy, inspiration, and insight. By continuing to nurture it, we allow ourselves to experience the same creative freedom and possibility that we enjoyed as children. Imagination is not only essential to personal growth, but it also enriches the world around us, offering solutions and ideas that push the boundaries of the ordinary.