My Personal Journey: From Bookmarks to Choir Gigs
Growing up, I never realized that my first lessons in creativity and abundance would come during a simple summer with my older sister. We had this brilliant idea—to create bookmarks. Not just any bookmarks, but little works of art made from whatever we could find around the house. With glue, colorful papers, and our imaginations, we spent hours crafting these tiny masterpieces.The best part? We sold them to our friends, making pocket money from something we genuinely loved doing.
That summer marked the beginning of a realization: the things we enjoy can also be things we earn from. I didn’t know it then, but that simple project was laying the foundation for an important value—creativity and abundance—that I would carry into adulthood. I continued this journey of discovering and nurturing my talents when I went to college. I found joy in making artwork from colored glue, piecing together vibrant designs that felt like an expression of myself. I sold them at school, earning a little extra while indulging in a craft that made me happy.
But it didn’t stop there. When I entered the workforce, I didn’t confine myself to just my job. Even with a full-time career, I made time for the things I loved: teaching and singing. Every Saturday morning, I would teach at the university, and on weekends, I’d perform with my choir for singing engagements. I never thought of these as just side hustles—they were extensions of who I was, and more importantly, they were a testament to the idea that we are all abundant. We have so much to offer beyond the confines of a single job, and when we invest in our talents, those talents can open doors we never knew existed.
Saffi Squirrel Teaches Creativity and Abundance
In our Saffi Squirrel books, this value shines brightly. We want children to embrace their creativity, to recognize early on that they are naturally gifted with unique talents and ideas. Saffi teaches that we are all idea-makers, and there are so many ways to express this creativity, whether it’s through art, writing, problem-solving, or inventing something new. Most importantly, Saffi shows children that there are many ways to earn money—not just the conventional 9-to-5 path that society often emphasizes.
Through Saffi’s adventures, children discover that their hobbies and passions can turn into opportunities, and that abundance means tapping into the skills they already have. When we encourage kids to explore their talents and see those talents as valuable, we teach them that life isn’t about being confined to one way of making a living. It's about expanding possibilities and knowing that there are countless ways to thrive.
The Value of Creativity and Abundance for Future Financial Freedom
When children grow up with this mindset, it shapes how they view money and work. Too often, people believe they can only earn from one source of income, and worse, they stay stuck in jobs they don’t enjoy. But by fostering creativity and an abundance mindset early on, we set our kids up to think differently. They won’t feel limited to a single paycheck or trapped in a job that doesn’t bring them joy. Instead, they will know that their skills, ideas, and talents are all potential streams of income, and that there is always room to grow and evolve.
The beauty of this mindset is that it encourages long-term thinking. Instead of focusing solely on traditional employment, our children will learn to invest in themselves, their skills, and their passions. By doing so, they open themselves to a world of opportunities, where earning money becomes not just a necessity, but a byproduct of doing what they love.
Abundance Beyond Money
Creativity and abundance extend far beyond how we deal with money. It’s a mindset that affects every area of life. When we see ourselves as abundant, we are not limited by our circumstances. We approach challenges with the confidence that we can find solutions, we pursue our passions knowing they have value, and we live fuller lives by embracing the endless possibilities that surround us.
When children grow up believing in their abundance, they won’t just see opportunities for financial gain—they’ll see opportunities to enrich their lives. Whether it’s in their relationships, careers, or personal growth, the value of creativity and abundance ensures they will always find ways to thrive, no matter where life takes them.
