FROM THE PRESIDENT
Just Imagine
Ray Hoger | President, ARTA
Imagine. What a magical word. Never in the history of humankind has a word meant so much to so many.
Imagine … A Neanderthal might once have imagined what it would be like to control when and where fire started. Perhaps the imagination of Christopher Columbus spread to people like Queen Isabella, causing her to wonder what wonders exist on the other side of the Atlantic Ocean. John A. MacDonald may have prompted his fellow parliamentarians to imagine what could be achieved if all the territory between Newfoundland and the west coast were united. John F. Kennedy might have said to Jackie,“ Imagine what we will discover as we embark on this grand journey to land a man on the moon.” More recently, Taylor Swift may have asked Travis Kelce to imagine how much joy she could bring to fans through a twenty-month world tour spanning five continents.
Each of us has used the word“ imagine”( or some variation) to help our children, grandchildren, friends, and partners dream, plan, and execute their ideas and aspirations. We encourage them to imagine, to stretch, to dare to believe.
What about us? How often do we let ourselves imagine what we could do? How often do we hesitate, ending the imagining before it even begins to take hold? We are in the perfect imagining period of our lives. We have the time, the opportunity, and the experience necessary to allow our dreams to take flight.
If you find yourself pulling back on your dream or hesitating to start the journey, here are a few ideas to help you begin to imagine:
• Set a series of realistic goals, write them down, and check them off as you accomplish each one.
• Begin with small steps and celebrate each victory with a special treat— something healthy and positive.
• Focus on doing your best work; don’ t worry about perfection.
• Don’ t compare yourself to others. Instead, look at the series of goals you have already achieved and the celebrations you have enjoyed.
• Treat yourself properly. Make sure you have a healthy diet, proper sleep, and regular exercise. Stand tall and be proud.
Where would you like to go? What would you like to do? Where will you let your dreams take you? Imagine what you wish to imagine, and then go for it!
SUMMER 2026 | 5