Learning to play as an adult!

I was always a fun kid! Super creative and imaginative. I’d make up games in my own head, running around the living room pretending to own a zoo, persuading (maybe forcing) my younger brother to play too as well as crafting all sorts of things! My mum used to call me the sellotape queen as I’d make all manner of random bits out of sellotape! HAHA!!  

Still making my younger (but much taller brother) do stupid things! This is Disneyland!

As you get older though self-consciousness starts to play a role. I was always pretty good as a teen to not get too caught up in what was cool and forget my fun side, but there were always moments when you just wanted to go and “play” but felt embarrassed to do so – the term “that’s for babies” being thrown around.

And then coming into your adult life…well “hello responsibility”, “hello career”….”hello life” and BOOM you realise you’ve gone a couple of weeks or even months without having a laugh- just working. Boring, right? But so easy to do.

So, when I hit… probably 24, I decided to embrace the fun again. Having young stepchildren helped me as they encouraged me to play with them- in the park, at home, crafting, dress up… all kinds of things. But it reminded me that it’s ok to be silly, it’s ok to embrace that inner child again and not take everything so seriously. Because you know what, life isn’t all serious- promise!

Throughout adulthood I’ve tried to embrace the fun and playfulness in my life, and I’ve done this in a number of ways;

·      Consciously planning date days and experiences with my partner – from things like skydiving to wing walking to going to the zoo

·      Starting up hobbies that have always interested me, but scared me all the same – things like Pole Fitness. Taking me out of my comfort zone, but becoming a catalyst for so much joy, fun and laughter

Yes I'm on top of the Alps here!

·      Introducing weekly play dates with friends to go roller skating and adventure on new walking routes – maybe finding an odd swing along the way

·      Getting into the spirit of it and pushing past any self-consciousness that might be present – fancy dress is a great example of this!! Dressing up for Halloween at work, or throwing dress up Wicked sing-a-long parties

Dressed up here as Zombie Barbie for works Halloween event! 

·      Getting those crafts out – maybe paint, sew… or bring out the sellotape and create something totally random

·      Having fun during Yoga. There is always a need to respect the roots of Yoga, but at the same time it doesn’t have to be so serious. I play modern music, I like to laugh, sing and be a bit silly sometimes – embrace the joy of the practice

Leaning into the playfulness of life helps us to find those daily joys. And those daily joys remind us to be grateful for our life leading to overall contentment.

So, I encourage you today to pick one thing… start small (or big- it’s up to you) and have a little play!

I dare you

Love, Tash xx