Do you play in your daily life? What says “playtime” to you?

In all honesty, I didn’t think play was a common personal experience, but the more I think about it, I am overlooking a lot. I associate playtime with kids around and being mentally and emotionally at ease. But even without the laughter of kids, I definitely have moments like that throughout my weeks. My husband and I are sometimes like two big kids laughing and joking around. And I often treat our cats like kids and dance around the house with them! But also, learning taekwondo in a class full of kids sometimes feels like play.

As I continue to dwell on this now (a sincere thank you for this prompt), there are many leisure moments at home that I would categorize as play.

I find it fortunate that I associate play with childhood, and I credit that to my memorable younger years. But conversely, unconsciously limiting yourself from acknowledging and embracing play as an adult is sad. As an adult, you are expected to have a certain level of responsibility and upkeep, but that doesn’t mean you have to write off true play. That release of your worries and embrace of fun and innocence is critical even when the day has zapped your motivation and energy. I am going to focus on seeing play for what it is, and delving deeper into its enjoyment when it is happening.