The word that starts with an “F” isn’t that word. However I am talking about another word that may still seem like a “dirty word” to some people. Can you guess what it is? It came up twice in 24 hours for me in two completely different scenarios. Here’s how it started. Last weekend I had created some space and time and I thought…
“What can I do for…” Yes, you probably have guessed it now. I wondered what I could do for FUN! I know last year I bought some chalk and an artist’s pad. I dibbled a bit on it, but the delicious upwelling of really having fun didn’t happen. So after a while I put the art supplies away. But I still wanted to have some fun. So I thought to myself, “What else gives me an uplifting feeling?” For me, creating something is fun and two weeks ago I started contemplating how to make simple window treatments for my bedroom windows. That satisfied some of the fun factor for me. However, it wasn’t quite enough.
Why is it so hard for me to create fun in my life? (I don’t have a problem if you suggest something fun. If you create it, I will go along for the ride.) I was talking to Mary, one of my wise friends and colleagues. We talked about creating our days and lives with ease and grace. You know I’m all about that. But, I often forget as I put my intentions out there to ask for fun. Why? As my friend Mary (delphicwave.com) said, some of us aren’t wired or programmed for having fun. We have other genetics but the fun strand of genes isn’t there. When they were calling for those who wanted fun in this life, I must have thought they said “run” and missed out. Nevertheless, all isn’t lost. Mary and I discussed thinking about the feeling of fun as a start to take us into our personal fun factor. We all can remember having fun and how it felt. It was easier for me when my children were little and when I saw children in my counseling practice. No wonder I loved thinking of things that were fun for the children – I was looking for fun!
Some of you may be thinking, “How can she be writing about fun in this uncertain, turbulent world?” Did you know that fun is a necessary ingredient to your health and happiness? It’s crucial during times of turbulence and change to combat the effects of stress. We don’t want to raise our children to only have fun electronically. Playing is a key ingredient to problem solving and creativity. Did you know there are businesses that have game rooms and devoted time to play? Did you know there are stories of people curing themselves of cancer by having fun and laughing while watching movies? It’s also a different way to live. A way to live that brings us closer to why we are on this planet. Living on purpose, being our true selves and enjoying our unique special gifts and passions are not supposed to be work! Wouldn’t it be nice to live each day with a bit more fun in life? I’m up for that! Are you? A first step may be to start your day adding to your intention to remember having fun. Then ask for more of that please…
If you have children or grandchildren, get on the floor and play! (No, not video games.) Go out and really have fun. Go to the zoo, blow bubbles, play ball – anything that feels like fun and brings a smile to your face.
To help those of us with the non dominant fun gene, why don’t you post your healthy, fun activities so we can get some fun ideas!
Bonnie
P.S. Almost every time my husband and I go on vacation, he gets a call from his assistant who says another “case” coming in (he does custody evaluations and reviews, so it like other businesses with ups in downs in the income stream), while he is having fun NOT working.
Hi Bonnie,
I think you’re on to something! In my work with parents I talk about the motto ‘make it fun to get it done.’ A few helpful questions I ask myself is “What’s the one thing I can do to make this fun?” and “What’s the most important thing I can do to experience more fun today?”
I also believe fun and freedom go hand and in hand. Sometimes focusing on one of those feelings can activate the other.
Here’s to more fun!
Blessings, Tami