Hey Reader,

This week, NASA's "Moon Joy June" art challenge gave the prompt "LAUNCH." My response wasn't a rocket, but this little illustration. It got me thinking about a distant memory and what that word truly means to me. More in this week's letter.

Dear Creativity,

When NASA gives you a prompt like "LAUNCH," it’s easy to think of grand finales. But my hand didn't draw a rocket. It drew this, a quiet launch. This little watercolor and ink drawing is my commitment to sitting down with you, Creativity, from time to time as part of a sustained creative practice.

It also sent me back in time. Years ago, I was at a conference, doing a short podcast interview. The host asked what brought me the most joy as an educator, and without thinking, the words just came out of my mouth. The launches.

Not my own. The ones I get to witness in others.

It’s that moment when a student or a client connects with you so deeply that their idea just… takes flight. The "aha" moment, the almost-visible lightbulb over their head. That spark has always been my greatest joy. I didn't even know it was my philosophy until I heard myself say it out loud that day.
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What brings me the most joy, seeing "ideas take flight."

And now, drawing this picture, I realize it's still true. The most meaningful launch isn't the public one that everyone sees. It's the quiet one that happens inside, when we simply decide to begin and connect with you. That's the moment that makes all the other launches possible.

What ideas might take flight if we stopped waiting for a rocket and simply decided to light the candle?

Innovatively yours,
Dr. Abigail 💛

“The Doctor Is In” is the official weekly broadcast of The Innovation Doctor. The call-in lines are always open. If you have a question or a story for the Doctor, you can leave a message for her right here.