Time to Play
I attended a meeting on Zoom recently and the topic was PLAY. The leader invited us to share the ways we have fun or if we are the more serious types, how we can incorporate more play in our lives.
It was amazing to see how many people have forgotten how to play. It seems their inner child grew up too fast and they opted for work and tasks and responsibility over relaxation and fun.
I took a moment or two to look at what play means to me.
First of all, I grew up in a family that valued work and responsibility but also play. We enjoyed a yearly vacation that involved swimming, ping pong, horseback riding, picnics, card games and long drives in nature.
My sister June and I started what we called The Friendly Children’s Club with two girls in our neighborhood. We didn’t have technology in those days (the 1940s) so we played baseball in the empty lot across the street from our house and at home with our dolls, with cutouts, coloring books, and we read books from the library and comic books we bought at the ‘little store’ around the corner.
In high school I joined a bowling team, which connected me to my grandfather who was a devoted bowler.
I hadn’t thought about all that for a long time but as I do today, I’m grateful to my parents for giving me a good foundation in play. About fifteen years ago I attended a Play Recovery Workshop and discovered the importance of returning to the joyful and playful spirit we’ve all been gifted with. I attended several of the ‘play stations’ that were open to participants. I chose coloring, building blocks, card games, hopscotch and dancing. I came home determined to incorporate more play into my adult life.
Since then I include hiking, line dancing, coloring, and sketching into my routine. My grandchildren (now grown) awakened my inner child to play while they were growing up and now my great grandson keeps me going.
How about you? What does play look like in your life–regardless of your age?
“We don’t stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing.” -George Bernard Shaw
“So I commend the enjoyment of life, because there is nothing better for a person under the sun than to eat and drink and be glad. Then joy will accompany them in their toil all the days of the life God has given them under the sun.” Ecc .8:15 NIV
Happy Valentine’s Day!
Happy Valentine’s Day Karen. Thinking of you today❤️🩹❤️🩹
Happy Valentine’s Day Karen. Thinking of you today. Hope all is going well for you.❤️🩹❤️🩹
Thank you, Mary. So nice to hear from you.
Karen thank you so much for writing about all of the things that you played as a child and as an adult. Memories flashed through my mind of all of the fun things I did as a child, young adult and now a senior. It brings me a lot joy when I make cards in my art studio and give them away. It is exciting when people’s faces light up when they get a card and talk about who they are going to send it to. Taking photographs of beautiful flowers with a purple silk background is play for me. Painting free form paintings is another thing that makes me happy. Calling friends and composing songs on the piano is great fun for me and fulfilling because it makes people happy. Thank you again for writing about play. That is something I need to remember to do more often. Happy Valentine’s Day Karen.
Thanks, Sandy. I know you enjoy playing with your grandchildren. They are blessed to have you.
Sending love and hugs to you today. Happy Valentine’s Day… and may your days ahead be full of love, fun and laughter! ❤️
Thank you, Glenda. The same to you, dear friend.
I never took enough time to play, valued accomplishment more than fun 🙁 Then along came Grandchildren. They have taught me the value of simple play. Card games, building blocks and towers (all fall down even become fun) Chasing butterflies (or flutter-byes as we call them) in the garden. Yep, we all need to play a bit more! Thanks for the reminder Karen. Happy Tuesday!
I have enjoyed playing as an adult, thanks to my grandchildren too.
Karen I have always loved your playful spirit. You always seem to try and enjoy even the little things.
After a pretty stressful, sad and serious year in 2021, I’m trying to incorporate more playtime back into our home like reading for fun, listening to music, playing the piano/guitar, gardening, and craft time. I also hope to take some nature walks and bike rides when it warms up.
Here’s to a more playful year!
Smiles, BRC
I agree, Beth. Let’s make this year one of restoration and play.
Good thoughts. We do need our play times and I have had them all through my life with family and friends playing different kind of card games, chinese checkers, Rook, etc, even working puzzels together with family. My Mother and Dad had seven children and they played games with you all the time and after we had all left home, married, etc. they kept playing games like checkers and Mom always won-so Dad said, and if he won he would say Mom let him! Ha!
I guess I am too old to enjoy most games with “people” but I sure do enjoy my solotair on my computer and my Sudoku puzzles. Thanks, Karen Margaret
Margaret, it’s great to hear of the fun and play you have continued to enjoy in your life.