Live and work but do not forget to play, to have fun in life and really enjoy it.

                                                                                                                     -Eileen Caddy

Have Fun!

What are you doing in your life today that is fun?  Hang on, listen to the question:  What are you doing, right now, present tense, to have fun?  Not what are you going to do when you have time, when you make more money, when this or that, but now.

It is easy to be so consumed by the business of life that we forget why we do what we do.  We work hard and manage our life to enjoy it.  Yet often enjoyment is on the bottom of the list, or our “enjoyment” is really just a break from work; some mind numbing unfulfilling things like staring at that tube too long.

Last week I talked to you about nurturing yourself in a calm and relaxing way. This week let’s talk about getting your blood pumping and you becoming excited about fun.  I have had an amazing weekend filled with tennis, basketball, ping pong, golf, ocean kayaking, football…and that is the short list! 

Fun does not come in sizes.

                                            -Bart Simpson

Those are the things I enjoyed. You may love to do something else.  Maybe it’s a nature walk, build a snowman, take a cooking class, ski, paint, roller blade, play Frisbee with the dog; make a kitchen garden, go to a festival, attend a fashion show, horseback ride, have a barbecue party, play Monopoly, or sew a quilt. The list is endless. The point is to have fun no matter what size or kind the fun is.

Dale Carnegie points out, “People rarely succeed unless they have fun in what they are doing.”  Although that is the goal, many times we’re not in a position today to enjoy every aspect of work.  Even if you do enjoy your work, there are other essential things in life, like play! It is important to get out and do creative, stimulating; activities unrelated to work, that you consider fun. 

Stress is a leading cause of illness in our complex society.  Adding fun into your life will reduce stress and enhance your lifespan, boost your immune system, protect your nervous system, give your endocrine system a much-needed rest AND keep you sane.

Learn to have fun. Live healthier and enjoy your life more.  Sounds like a good prescription.

So this week I want to encourage you to think about fun. Don’t think too long—get out and have some! Let’s encourage each other. Consider writing a blog this week about one thing you go out and enjoy!

Also, I’m giving a Live Talk on Feb 20th at 5 p.m. Pacific Standard Time. It’s live for all via the Internet, no charge, and you can ask questions.  For more information and to register go to: http://www.helpingourplanet.com/events/ 

Hope to see you there!