Many of our students eat their breakfast in the Autism Room. They sit on wooden or plastic chairs scooted up close to a round table. Some of our kids have digestive issues, so they drink almond milk, or have to eat gluten free muffins or cereal. Some have to be convinced to try eating anything beyond cheesy Goldfish or Veggie Straws.

One of our students will eat most foods, but he often does it with his own style. A few days ago, he was served apple juice, Apple Jacks cereal, and peaches. He pushed the peaches aside, not enjoying the taste or the sticky finger risk. He asked for assistance opening his cartoon of juice, and quickly began peeling the paper wrapper off his skinny straw. Once he jammed the straw into the juice carton, he set to work. One by one, he slid the Apple Jacks cereal onto his straw until it was completely covered. Only then would he sip the juice while nibbling on the cereal.

Observing the kids around him eating cereal from a bowl with a spoon, or directly from an individualized bag did not detour him from his creative method. He made me wonder: How many times have I done something in a particular way just because that’s how those around me are doing it?

There are moments when doing the same thing the same way as everyone else makes sense, or might even be required. But there are also times when we can stretch our creativity muscles. We can let our uniqueness bubble to the surface. Why not make life more interesting?

So keep stacking those Apple Jacks on your straw, my friend. Thank you for the reminder that we can be creative in a bowl and spoon environment.