As I’m writing this blog post my 3 year old is playing on the living room floor next to me….
My son: “Can I sit on your lap mummy?”
Me: “I’m working love, can you give me 5 minutes?”
My son: “Please mummy, can I sit on your lap?”
I let him sit on my lap and I’m overcome with the smell of his hair and his smiling eyes as he joyfully runs his favorite motorbike over my typing hands.
And then we stop and have a play….
I don’t know about you but I can get stuck in the “doing” sometimes, the seriousness of adulting and all the things that need to get done.
My kids are the best reminder to stop being so freaking serious all the time and have some fun! Take a break. Play. Be silly.
In honour of the summer season here in Hong Kong, I want to encourage you to inject a little more play and lightheartedness into your life — right now.
Now I fully appreciate that you might be reading this thinking…I can’t.
Maybe you’re thinking you can’t because you…
…..have a million things to do on your to-do list.
…..you’re tired from being up with kids.
….you’re simply not in the mood….
I get it. Maybe now isn’t the time.
All I want to do is remind you that life isn’t always meant to be so hard and serious. Sometimes we need a reminder to lighten up and just have some freaking fun.
I’m a big believer that if you’re in a happier mood, you’re way more creative and able to come up with solutions that you didn’t see were possible before.
As Albert Einstein says:
“No problem can be solved at the same level of consciousness that created it.”
Up for giving it a try? You can listen to this week’s blog here:
Short on time? Read on for the transcript:
Here are 8 easy ways to inject some fun and play into your life and career without detracting from getting your *real* work done.
#1: Have a dance party when you get ready for the day
Instead of listening to the news or a podcast when you’re getting dressed – why not get ready to a pop song? Grab your hairbrush or your *ahem* air guitar and dance like your inner 5 year old.
#2: Eat your lunch outside once a week without reading, listening to music or talking to a friend
Take yourself out for a lunch date and give yourself some time and space to just “be.” AAAAHHH. There’s something about being outside and concentrating on one thing (you!) that can be fun.
#3: Call a friend that makes you laugh
I’m a firm believer that real connections are important. Rather than texting or messaging a friend – why not call them and have a good giggle?
#4: Schedule in an hour of free time (aka “free play”) a week
I’m guessing your schedule is jam-packed. Take a moment to see when you can carve out an hour a week just for you. Get creative with how you can fill that hour.
Read a book, go for a massage, sign up for ballroom dancing classes. If it ain’t scheduled, it ain’t happening so start by blocking your time today. You’ll figure out the details soon enough.
#5: Visit the stationery store and spend some money on what makes your heart sing
I don’t know about you but there’s something about being in a stationery store that brings out my inner child. I love all things colour and buying a pack of coloured pens, crayons or pencils makes me feel like a kid again.
I don’t always get to draw or paint but I do use them when I plan things out and that makes the whole strategy piece of my business fun.
#6: If you have kids, nephews or nieces – play with them and get involved 100%
I get that playing with kids isn’t everyone’s jam but they can be our greatest teachers. Get 100% present when you’re interacting with a kid and see the world through their eyes. Curiosity. Wonder. Possibility. Bravado – channel their energy. It’ll leave you feeling a lot younger and way more fun!
#7: Think back to when you were a kid and that “thing” you always dreamed of getting – and get it for yourself!
You get to be a loving parent to that inner child of yours. Whether you had great parents or not. You can treat yourself now as an adult.
Why not buy yourself what you dreamed of having?
Hmmm I think I’m taking myself into buying an 80 colour Caran Dache Pencil Set….
#8: Watch a fun kids movie. I’m serious – they’re so good these days!
Every Sunday night we have a tradition of watching a movie and having dinner together as a family. Come rain or shine that’s our time to vege out and just be.
Our recent family faves are Moana, Sing and Inside Out. They’re entertaining for the kids and for us adults. They leave you feeling more positive and have a good storyline – us adults have a lot to learn about kids and can always spend some time nurturing our own inner child!
There you have it…8 ways to inject a little fun and play into your life today.
I’m so curious to know how you’re planning to inject some more fun and play into your life….
What are you going to do?
I’d love to hear from you and know:
- Which if the above steps are you excited to try?
- What other ideas do you have to inject some fun into your life?
Leave a comment below and let me know! I want to add some ideas to my list too.
P.S. If you want some inspiration to bring some fun and play into your life and career make sure you come on over to Instagram and check out @neonlifesociety
P.P.S. Want to live a life that encompasses more fun and play and still allows you to move forward with your career goals? I’ll be opening up the doors to the Soul Aligned Woman Experience when I’m back from my summer break with my fam (gotta practice what I preach right?) This is an experience designed to support you in figuring out the right next steps for your career (+ life crossroads) so that you can step into your highest path and purpose. You can apply for a complimentary call with me HERE so I can learn more about you and whether the program is a good fit for where you are right now. Calls will be held from the end of July so book in and get yourself set!