Day by Day

Coloring books are calling me My inner child wants to color. The grownup isn’t so sure --- about adult coloring books, that is.

I say my inner child because coloring is supposed to help adults deal with stress, anxiety, and other symptoms of people old enough to have jobs, mortgages, etc. Heck, the only thing I remember worrying about as a child was having enough money for the ice cream man.

I’ve seen adult coloring books in the bookstore. A friend recently told me that the addictive hobby has led to an enormous display in her home. Either she’s on to something, or this is a complete waste of time. Maybe I just need to see the bigger picture.

Praised for their therapeutic benefits, the coloring books offer adults a break from their hectic schedules and the chance to explore their creative side. There are even adult coloring book clubs, coloring book apps, and specialized coloring books.

The books have a very colorful history. They were popular in the 1960s for their content geared toward politics, society, and the corporate culture of the day. It sounds like an episode of Mad Men visits Sesame Street, whereas today’s adult coloring books seem to have a more meditative, Zen-like quality.

I spent many happy hours coloring as a kid. My favorite crayon was magenta. I loved the large box with the rainbow collection and the sharpener on the back. My coloring books most likely featured my favorite cartoon character, Minnie Mouse. The books today contain fancy flowers and other ornate designs that entice adults to shut off their computers and grab pens, pencils, and markers.

I like the idea of relaxing. Becoming an instant artist also is appealing. But like many things, if I had to do coloring all over again, I wouldn’t concentrate so much on creating the perfect picture.

Katharine Hepburn once said, “If you obey all the rules, you miss all the fun.” And if life has taught me anything, it’s to color outside the lines.

Sarah Rivera is a freelance writer who lives in Atlanta, Georgia. She relies heavily on chocolate and a sense of humor.