Sanwiliams

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Many people take it for granted, but color is very important in our lives. I thank God often for the beautiful colors in my life; my cat for example is a palate of cream, white, light green, grey, tan, terra cotta, and peach.  Last night's sunset was actually magenta that faded to navy blue!  The leaves of the weeping birch in my front yard turn from a dark green to a golden amber in autumn.

It is  one of the kindest things we can do for ourselves, to surround ourselves with the colors that speak to us.  Color is very healing to our soul.  Think about when you have been heartsick from a loss, surrounding yourself in soft colors comforts your being and cradles your tender soul so it can heal.  When you are jubilant from a victory, purple and red make you feel triumphant!  When you wear only white and black you feel crisp and clean, a little sharper than usual.

The truth is color has a great deal of power. Just think about a time when you witnessed a transformation of a space from a new color of paint.  A drab off-white kitchen becomes warm and inviting when painted a buttery yellow.

I love to play the Crayon game with adults.  At the moment I feel like a soft moss green with a whispy swirl of royal purple. Can you describe yourself in colors? Some of us know immediately what color we are, some of us don't think in those terms.  But just this once, try with me. I think you will be surprised.  Take a day and look at others in terms of colors.  Dan is navy and burgundy argyle.  Richard is jungle green with cream pinstripes.  Erin is a rich pumpkin velveteen.  Fiona is a delicate light rose pink.  

I'm not asking you to label people, so much as to see them in a different way.  Children are drawn to color. If you let a two-year old dress themselves, you might not think they match, but they know what they like.  Give a three-year old the chance to make a picture with a big box of Crayons and you will be surprised at the palate they choose; an aquamarine bear with orange eyes, an apple green dog, an aubergine tree!

Pantone, the color authority, has even devised a birth color chart.  By selecting a specific day of the year, Colorstrology will display a particular hue and pontificate on the personality of persons born this day.  I don't know if I possess all the qualities of Mauve Shadows, but the site declares my life will be better if I surround myself with this shade.

So here is my request.  Step out of your beige world for a day.  Wear those hot pink socks your daughter gave you with your navy blue suit, tie a peach scarf around your neck or let it peek out of your pocket, buy a bright yellow Gerber Daisy for your desk. Let your true colors be seen and be on the lookout for the colors of those who grace your life.  You have the ability to color your world to fit your desires.