““You need to find more ways to have fun”.”
This is something I have said to myself MORE THAN ONCE. So it comes as no surprise that the person who knows me best, other than me (possibly better than me), shared this nugget of wisdom with me this week.
And he’s right, sadly…
FUN noun \ ˈfən \
1: what provides amusement or enjoyment specifically : playful often boisterous action or speech - as in “full of fun”
Let’s add to this: “joy” and “lighthearted play”. Activities and experiences free of heavy obligation, with some variety and spontaneity involved.
Not much boisterousness around my house of late. We’re so busy, after all. Every day has a to-do list a mile long - we’re constantly shuttling people back and forth, helping with homework, working on projects, stacking wood, showing up smiley on zoom calls, running programs, making breakfast, cleaning the loo, folding laundry, raking the lawn… it’s a busy old life this working>raising kids>householding>being a good partner>thingy.
It can be hard to fit fun in. I mean, all of that stuff is serious work, amiright?
Nope.
I’m not right. Dead wrong, in fact.
Fun can’t be scheduled.
In fact, life is meant to be a series of moments, lived to the fullest - ask any poet or sage (ahem: Nadine Stair). So, while we can plan to have activities that MIGHT BE fun, it’s the moment that defines whether it is or not… so, it makes sense that we can bring that same attitude into anything we do.
It’s the HOW, not the WHAT.
But how?
It’s a decision.
A decision to bring more levity in. More appropriate silliness. Or inappropriate silliness, for that matter. Don’t overplan. Just decide to have more fun. Easy.
So, now you know.
I’m into finding fun this week, and beyond. Bringing variety and spontaneity into the everyday. Starting with how I’m getting outside today.
No set, pre-ordained, plan (gasp!). I am going to just… go out… and see where my feet take me.
I’m looking forward to it.
Join me!
(all images thanks to UnSplash)