So often, we get stuck in our grind. In our daily routine. Wake up, go to work, go to the gym or meet friends, eat dinner, go to bed. Repeat X 5.

And, this isn’t bad. But many of us have lost a key component to a fulfilled and fun-filled life-play. As little kids, we used to spend hours in play. Running around, playing tag, playing sports, singing, dancing, writing, creating stories, reading. Doing whatever lit our hearts on fire. Feeling drawn to what we were naturally good at. Playing for the sake of play. Not to win something or get ahead or to gain recognition, but just for the sake of it. For the joy of it.

Somewhere along the road, we lost this. We lost our sense of wonder and doing things just for the sake of enjoying them. Especially nowadays in the working world and in the personal development world, it seems that everything is a goal that needs to be achieved. And, while there is nothing wrong with having goals, we’ve forgotten how to relax and just do what we feel we would love to do in the moment.

Now you might be sitting there wondering, 1. I do not have time for play. 2. I honestly don’t even know what I like to do anymore. 3. I like drinking and I lie watching Game of Thrones. Do those count?

I get it and I hear you. But, one of the most helpful ways you can get back in touch with what brings you joy is to think back to what you LOVED to do when you were a kid. After school, what would your parents find you doing without anyone asking you to? Were you playing basketball? Were you cooking in an imaginary restaurant? Were you pretending you were on American Idol? We’re you choreographing dance routines? (Guilty to all of the above.)

That little girl or boy inside of you who LOVED doing those things is still there!!!! Pay attention to her/him and get to know yourself again.

“Playing” as an adult is harder and maybe not as mainstream, but it is possible and people are doing it! Check out meet up groups, or intramural sports leagues if that’s what you’re into. Go to a fun dance class like 305 fitness or take up singing lessons. Sink into a good crime novel or take an improve class!

I know how stressful and busy life can seem, especially when we are all trying to “get ahead,” but without some fun what are we even doing? Don’t get so caught up trying to achieve something in the future that you forget to have fun right now. As a wise and brilliant film once said, “Life passes most people by while they’re busy making grand plans for it.”

So make some time for yourself, even if it’s just one hour once a week to just play, and bring your younger self some joy. 🙂