Already today, I’ve emailed a legal document, took my supplements, reached out to a colleague, and set up an appointment. There will be more of the same tomorrow and the next day and the next.
So. Much. Adulting.
I find that being a grown up in this complex world takes ongoing decision-making, vigilance, and stamina. How do I keep it up? How do you?
One way that I replenish and refresh myself is with play. (Remember play? The stuff we used to do as kids that was as natural as breathing?) For me, play is what happens when I feel spontaneous and free – free of judgement from myself or anyone. With the sheer amount of adulting one must do on the daily, it can be easy to not only forget to play, but to forget how.
Do you remember how to play?
If you feel a great chasm between yourself and a state of playfulness, you’re not alone. As adults, it’s trained out of us! There’s so many important things to do, so many deadlines, so many errands. So how can we choose to play and remember how?
Make a list
You’re probably good at making lists. Make a list of playful activities that you’ve liked in the past. For me, it might include:
- Hoola hooping
- Playing charades
- Rough housing
- Telling stories
Schedule it
If we don’t carve out time for it, it might not happen. Luckily, calendaring is also something busy grown ups tend to be good at. You can do this! Scheduling may include enrolling buddies and borrowing supplies. It’s time to gather what you’ll need for your “play date.”
Be willing to feel foolish
If it’s been a while, there may be a period of time when you engage in the behavior you used to like and just feel awkward. Consider sticking with it to see if that feeling fades. In the video below, my Covid-safe buddy and I tried a whole bunch of child-like activities. I waded through the foolish feelings. As you’ll see, I made it to the other side. I hope you do, too!