Do you ever feel that all the current fads/trends towards health or general wellbeing seem to forgoe the fun factor? Is our penchant for improvement placing limits on us that we don’t really need? Have we forgotten about fun?
We value growth. We laud strength. We admire productivity, perseverance, discipline, (sometimes) abstinence and ‘success’. We revere calm, grace and composure. What I don’t see a lot of is people cheering on the fun.
Maybe we’ve gotten so hung up on controlling our bodies and ourselves, that the fun part seems counter-intuitive?
Maybe we’ve forgotten how important joy and play are in our lives? Perhaps we’re quite busy and it’s helpful to follow a path laid out by someone else? That could be it as well. Mmm.
Fun gets a bum rap a lot of the time. It’s labelled childish or frivolous or diverting, even. But that’s not really the case.
Fun and its pals, play and joy are not awesome standalone pursuits/feelings, they shift us into a whole other state that makes room for a fresh perspective. Plus, fun makes us laugh, share cute experiences with other cute people and drops our defences, reminding us of who we really are.
Yay fun!
Are you going to do something fun this weekend? Or is fun just another tricky thing to fit into your schedule?!
PS: Of course it’s good to be healthy – but let’s strike a balance, yeah?
I love this reminder. I get so caught up in the work, not just paid work but the work of life, that I often forget the fun. Point taken, I am going to have fun this week. I expect that will look like some silly days with my girls and reading a good book.
So, so true, Pip. When did life get so darn serious? When was it made to be a competition for who can live it best? It’s all a a bit outraged and boring. I’m bored with it. I’m having fun instead. x
I am glad to hear it. I often forget to have fun. Then I kick myself up the bum. That helps…
I am going to my niece’s wedding tomorrow at Boiling Wells City Farm in Bristol UK. In their words ‘ we wanted to put on a festival so we made it our wedding instead’ Dress is festival wear, bring wellies in case it rains (the West side of the country so there is a good chance!) There are two outdoor stages so anyone can perform. As my niece and my sister both do stand-up it should be great fun!
For me that’s the only positive thing about being ill, you learn to have fun because you’re not busy all the time. Too busy to enjoy things. I’m going to change my bedroom this weekend, looking forward to it for so long, and I want to finish knitting a scarf I made as a gift. 🙂
Pip
I just love this advice. For me?It’s watching tv programs or dvd’s via my computer while I crochet or paper craft.
It’s raining outside as I type, my fire’s going and I’ve got lamb chops just about ready to hoe into.
I finally learnt that bring Creative is my kinda fun and it’s as necessary as breathing, being active, sleeping and eating.
As always – love your work.
<3
Pia
Thanks for this reminder Pip, it’s so true! We forget as adults sometimes that we need fun too. Between school stuff, kid sport, playgroup, looking after sick people, housework/distracting myself from housework I’ve been not having much ‘me time’ fun, fun with the kids yes but I need some leave Mummy alone for a while fun… Sometimes, although I love them dearly I just need to be away from them to do my own thang without being nagged at/whined at/ tantrums/fights etc this weekend I’ve told the hubby I’m having some time to myself & I think I’m going to schedule that in a bit more regularly so I don’t spontaneously combust! And then plan some healthy excercise time too!
I have a lot of time for fun. I’m trying (trying) to write a book for teenage girls – that’s a mixture of hard and fun. I also find it fun to go for a run and listen to a podcast, like This American Life or the TED Radio Hour. It’s fun to crochet in bed while watching Orange is the New Black. I miss fun Melbourne things, like walking the dog and hanging out with mates, but I’m trying to find the fun in China too. Fun hides in non-obvious places, at times! x
Oh Pip,
You are such a good role model for me. I’m not sure what is fun for me anymore, so long have I pushed it to last on the to-do list. So in answer to your question yes fun does feel like something else to fit into my schedule. I’m not loving that either.
I’ve realised lately that if I’m to fit fun into my life I have to drop some of the unfun things that have bullied their way in and filled up the space. It’s time for me to stand up to those bullies and be brave and ask fun if it wants to do something with me.
thanks for the kick up the bum I needed
I am doing something fun. I am meeting up with my Melbourne Inspiration Information buddies on Sunday! Yay! We will drink tea and eat yummy things!