Where did all the fun go? – Senior Living Insights

Where did all the fun go?

by Ruby MacDonald
Senior Living Insights

“In the true person, there is a child concealed who wants to come out and play – Nietzsche

When was the last time you had any fun?
It seems that kids are always having fun, no matter what they do, or where they are. They overflow with energy as though they are about to explode with it.  But as they grow older, day by day, year by year, the ability to have fun seems to decrease and for some adults, to completely disappear from their lives.  What happened to this all-important part of life?

Usually responsibility takes over. It makes us serious and so goal oriented that we forget what living really means..  Making a living – a necessity. A few enjoy the process while many others  have no options but to work at jobs they do not enjoy   In either case,  we still need to make time to have fun.

Fun serves many purposes. For kids, it teaches social and new skills, confidence, and creates laughter. It is a carefree time. Adults need  play so that they can relax, enjoy interaction with people and expand their horizons. Everyone needs laughter.

Many people think they are playing when they are competing. When in fact they are creating stress for themselves. So playing to win doesn’t quality as fun.  True playing doesn’t involve trying to impress or please other people; it isn’t measured by results, production or external rewards.  True fun is pure enjoyment that allows us to be totally present in the moment, and it includes moments of laughter, a good belly laugh. Here are a few quotes to ponder:
Laugh longer – live louder” -  “The purpose of fun is to have it.” -  “In the beginning, it was fun.” “A playful path is the shortest road to happiness.”  And one I especially like is: “For every Way there’s a Way of following that Way that’s fun.” Try the following to add more spice to your life.

Think of play as enjoying the simple things that give you instant emotional rewards.
Try new things to push your limits that are fun.
Allow your imagination to flow freely
Be anything and everything you dream of such  as a ballerina, an artist, etc. if only for a day or in your imagination
Engage with nature and its creatures
Be silly, playful, spontaneous and curious
Go to the senior center and sign up for a fun trip
Participate in a new activity that you haven’t tried before right where you live.
Try painting if you’ve always wanted to be an artist.- you don’t have to paint a perfect picture, all that is required is that you have fun and enjoy the process.
Read something you can completely get lost in.
Laugh – do something that makes you laugh.
Listen to music
Plant something or buy a new plant to enjoy.
Notice new things as you walk down the same streets
Watch a funny movie
And lastly, keep a daily journal and before retiring list one thing for which you are grateful;  one way you had fun and how many times you laughed..

“You can’t ever just sit back and let things happen. Never give in…Never, never think about your age, and keep occupied until the end.” – Mary Martin

Senior Living Insights By Ruby MacDonald

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