*Recent observation* First it was cryptocurrency, then it was A.I., and now it’s Threads. What’s going to be the next annoying and overly-hyped thing that puts social media and inboxes in a chokehold?
When was the last time you had fun? Not so much something mildly interesting, but something that was FUN. Something that enlists the word exhilarating. Something that made your heart pound, your blood race, and your cheeks painful with screaming, laughter, or both.
Four years ago while unpacking after moving into our new home, I found this picture. It was taken when I was with my former employer in June 2006. (wow I was 38 😐) Every year our company participated in mandated fun under the guise of “team-building” activities like this, going to trapeze school. At first, I was like “Naw! No way in hell am I getting up there!” Next thing I know I was flying through the air with the greatest of ease, like that daring young man on the flying trapeze. Pretty cool action shot!
What’s interesting is as you were climbing the scaffolding, the trapeze artists were casually talking to you, asking you mundane questions like how long have you worked with the company, do you have any kids, and where are you from. They didn’t ask any questions about fear of heights or anything that dealt with the trapeze. By the time the conversation ended, you were literally in the harness and ready to take flight. The misdirection of it all!
Sometimes we have to Jedi mind-trick our minds off the distractions and fears that compete for the experience of having fun. The trapeze artists know that a lot of people will talk themselves out of this amazing experience because of fear. So they essentially talk you out of fear (temporarily) so you can get to the fun. And what fun it was! I was a trapeze artist for a day!
As I navigate midlife (and this new normal alongside covid), I’ve come to realize that I’ve talked myself out of fun more times than I care to admit. Looking at that picture I’m reminded that life isn’t supposed to be constantly trudged through; fun, excitement, and adventure are supposed to be along for the ride.
If the past three years have taught us anything (other than how to properly wash your hands, what the hell is that about? 🤨) it’s that life is wildly unpredictable and that we need to inject more fun into our lives as often as possible. Whether it’s drawing a hopscotch game in your driveway and playing with the kids, turning on the sprinklers and running through them (remember that?!), going to the beach in the middle of the week, or becoming a trapeze artist for a day.
When was the last time you had fun? Whether intentional or a happy accident, let me know. Extra credit if you attach a pic or two! 😊
Very interesting question! Recently read an article stating Finland (for the up tenth year on a row) is the “happiest” place on earth. I love the European way of way. They truly know the value and true meaning of “work/life balance); they live it there! I’m America it’s a slogan. One of the reasons it’s considered the number one place on earth is due to their lifestyles; material things don’t impress them; they’re about their needs and one of their needs to have fun, vacation and value family (spend time) etc.
Getting back to your question; when it rains I put on my rain outs and find every puddle I can and jump up and down in each one while smiling, putting my head back and allowing the rain to fall on face. The on lookers look on shake their heads and continue to scurry in an attempt to avoid the rain while others smile and reminisce when they could enjoy the rain as a child. I laugh hard and often when I talk with my favorite sister (only have one) my kids and friends and one special “friend”
Recently celebrated my 49th year by attending a play “Moses” in PA and bike riding on a train (something iI hadn’t done that in years). We MUST make time to laugh/have fun as much as we plan for work!