P Is for "Playfulness"
Connecting with the magic of childlike wonder and play to cultivate more joy in our lives.
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Hello, my dear friend! How are you on this fine Friday-Eve?
We’re still skipping through the alphabet here in the Garden. Today, we’re poking at the letter “P” for “Playfulness.”
How playful would you say you are?
Me? I’ve loosened up a great deal over the years.
When I was a child, my mom always said I was a “little adult.” It was a truth about me that became even more acute the older I got.
There has always been a serious about me.
If I’m not mindful, I will slip back into that space, and I will take life and myself waaaay too seriously if left to my own devices.
My parents… God, I love them! They (and my husband, DW) are the reasons why I firmly believe that our spirits map out our lives before birth.
They would not and will not allow me to be.
For example, my parents knew that I had a strong desire for pocket money when I was a teen, and they would bribe me to do goofy things.
Once, while we were meandering around Sea Port Village, a quaint shopping area in my hometown of San Diego, California, they bribed me to go up to a restaurant window by a table full of people and do a “blowfish” (where you press your mouth against the glass and fill your cheeks with air) on it.
I didn’t yet have a job, and I could always use some spare cash (because there were bare spots on my bedroom walls that needed a new poster of Duran Duran), so I did it!
We were always good for a laugh, and it was - from my parents and then my husband - that I learned that laughter really is the best medicine. (Want to have some fun together? I invite you to check out my Laughter Yoga video.)
This is something that we - most of the time - know from a very deep level as children. As we begin to navigate the ups and downs of adulthood, though, it’s all too easy to lose touch with the sense of childlike wonder that once filled our hearts with such joy and excitement.
Fear not, though, my friend! The magic of childhood is still within our grasp, just waiting to be rediscovered and embraced!
But how do we connect with the magic of childlike wonder and joy - on a daily basis - especially when it feels as though life is taking a proverbial **it on our front door stoop?
This morning, I have a few suggestions to get you started!
Rediscover the Magic of Life
The first step to rediscovering the magic of childlike wonder is to consciously open your eyes to the beauty and wonder that are always around you each and every day.
Take a conscious moment to appreciate the simple pleasures of life - that first sip of coffee in the morning (if you’re a coffee drinker), the vibrant colors of a sunset, the delicate petals of a flower, the sound of bird song, or the gentle rustle of leaves in the wind.
When we cultivate a sense of mindfulness and presence and become an active, conscious participant in our lives, we open ourselves up to the magic that exists in every moment.
Follow Your Curiosity
Children are naturally curious beings, eager to explore the world around them with wide-eyed wonder, and my next suggestion is to tap into your own sense of curiosity by following your interests and passions no matter where they may lead you.
Whether it’s picking up a new hobby, exploring a new neighborhood, or learning something new, embracing your curiosity opens the door to endless adventures and discoveries.
When I was a kid, one of my mom and favorite things to do when we moved to a new area (which we did quite often, actually) was to go get “lost.”
This was loooong before GPS technology was readily available. My dad, an outside salesman, was still using a map book to navigate the cities in which we lived, and there were times when my mom and I meandered into areas that we probably shouldn’t have. BUT we had a lot of fun doing it!
This sense of exploration is something that DW and I still enjoy together to this day, and is why we’re both very much looking forward to full-time RVing next year.
Engage Your Imagination
Do you remember the days when a cardboard box could become a race car, a blanket fort could become a castle, a stick could become a magic wand, or the very floor on which you stood become LAVA?
This next suggestion is to embrace your inner child by letting your imagination and creative spark run wild!
Whether it’s through writing, drawing, storytelling, or simply daydreaming, give yourself permission to play and imagine without limits!
Find Joy in the Little Things
Children have a knack for finding joy in the smallest things - a puddle to splash in, a butterfly to chase, or a dandelion to make a wish upon.
Embrace childlike wonder by taking a cue from their playbook and finding joy in the little things.
Whether it’s blowing bubbles, skipping stones on the water, or dancing in the rain, allow yourself to embrace the moment and revel in the joy of being alive.
I remember - when I was a kid - my mom and I used to go for walks in the woods together, even when it was raining.
I don’t know. There was just something about that. It almost felt as though we were “breaking the rules” by being out when it was raining.
Not too long ago, DW and I went out into the backyard when it was raining. We played and danced and probably made our neighbors question our sanity, but we didn’t care! We were having FUN, enjoying just being alive and in the moment together!
Share the Wonder
One of the most beautiful things about being childlike and reveling in the wonder of life is the ability to spread joy and bring people together.
Sharing the magic with others and inviting friends or family to join you on your adventures creates a ripple effect.
It’s also part of the Garden and my Purpose.
By sharing my stories and experiences, I hope to inspire awe, wonder, and JOY in you!
When we share this with others, we create connections that enrich our lives (and those of others) and remind ourselves of the beauty and magic that continue to exist in the world —even when life is challenging.
So, my friend, what will you do to keep fun, playfulness, and childlike wonder alive in your own life going forward? I would love for you to share your ideas and thoughts in the comments below.
Until next time, may you keep dreaming, exploring, and embrace the magic of life with your arms and Heart WIDE OPEN.
Sending you so much LOVE, LIGHT, and BIG SQUISHY HUGS,
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I love this! It's so refreshing to hear about people who embrace life’s lighter side. Your parents sound fun—bribing you to do a blowfish is pretty unique! Life is definitely more enjoyable when not taken too seriously. I'm also trying to incorporate more play and adventure into my life and was recently rewarded with a magical moment. Thanks for the great reminders!