I have a bumper sticker over my desk that says 'If it's not fun, why do it?" Wise words by two of the great philosophers of our time - Ben and Jerry. So, with that in mind, how's your joy reserve these days? Racing along at full throttle or stuck in the mud?
Maybe your muse needs to giggle again.
I suggest finding some kids, preferably five or under and get down on the floor with them because play was never meant to be a spectator sport. Jump in with everything you have. Follow the Leader. Knock-knock jokes. Get out the Crayola 64 pack and use every single colour! Make crazy animals with plasticine.
What's the reason behind this zaniness? The opportunity to view the world from a new perspective. Let me share what I learn whenever I let myself play again.
1. Kids don't multi-process.
Kids are the original masters of being in the moment. Whatever has their attention has their FULL attention. They know instinctively how to focus. So let go of your to-do list, your cell phone and the supper menu. Give yourself completely to one thing. Your mind will thank you for the rest.
2. Kids don't worry about product.
Until the adult world gets hold of them, kids don't focus much on end results. They don't build project plans or track their hours on a Palm Pilot. For them it's the joy of the journey, discovery and messing about. Remember that? After all, if you just keep going over the same ground that's a rut, not a highway. True creativity and play only happen when you're not afraid of making a mistake.
3. Kids have no preconceptions.
They delight in the tiniest details. For them it's all new. They have true beginner's mind. So stop letting your brain boss you around. Let go of what you think you know and really look around. When someone learns to draw the first thing they're taught is to draw what they really see, not what they think they see. Open up all your senses to the moment. You'll be amazed at what you discover and your joy quotient will grow exponentially.
Rediscover the bliss of a child. I guarantee the world won't fall apart while you refresh your soul.
Aprille Janes is a certified life coach and a champion of women who long to claim the bigger life they know is waiting! She teaches the best way to reclaim that Bolder Woman inside of each of us is by connecting to our irresistible core of passion. You can download her free Ebook - Passion, Purpose and Values - at www.aprillejanes.com . It's a great place to start your own journey.
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