Where's your happy place?

I want you to think for a moment.  Where are you happy.  Truly happy?  No complications, just pure enjoyment, relaxation and peace of mind.

My short trip to the Smoky Mountains last weekend reminded me of how much I enjoy getting out into the wilderness.

what a view!

Around my hometown, there are parks and places to go hikes.... but even in the deepest part of that wood you can hear the cars and airplanes go by.

In the mountains, it was total tranquility and peace.  Just sitting on the side of a path, and enjoying the gentle sounds of the forest in a light rain.

That is my happy place.  I'm at total peace.

Now I understand not everyone loves the outdoors like I do.  I have a friend who we be terrified to be out in the woods like I was.  She even faked being sick as a child to get out of camping.

So, my challenge to you dear reader is: Think.

Dig deep inside, and find where are you at peace.  Total peace.  Where nothing else matters, and all troubles disappear even for just a moment?  Is it a church?  A museum?  Maybe your backyard garden.  Still enjoying nature, but of a more domestic sort.

Play!

As we grow up, we feel the weight of adulthood, and we grow serious.
Suddenly we have to teach the younger generation how to behave, how to do things.
But why should we have any less fun?

Love this from XKCD.com

Didn't we always dream of being the grown ups when we were kids?

We've forgotten how to play, how to have fun.

Its important to get back to basics.  Pick an activity and PLAY! :)



Go to a local park and go down the slide.  Pick up a video game and have at it for an hour.

Better yet, if you have children, include them.

My son tonight wanted to play the latest rage in video games, Skylanders.  He made sure to specify that he wanted me to play with him.  So, after dinner, we put in the game and played until his bed time.  Dishes sat undone on the counter until I can get to them later.

Some things are more important than work meetings, laundry, even dirty dishes.

Looking back, when you're 80, do you wish you had more time to do dishes? Or more time to spend with loved ones playing and having fun.

Studies have even shown that play improves creativity and productivity in adults.  Partly from the physical activity (which is always good for adults), and partly for the joy of play.  It makes us happy.

Make sure that its not all competitive either, just playing for the playing sake is the best reward.

If you have kids, include them; go to the park, get outside if its nice, or enjoy a night in with a kid-friendly board game.

If you're without kids, go to a laser tag, or get a kid-friendly board game (simpler the better!)

The point is to really relax and sit back and enjoy.

So, now I'm making more of a point to enjoy my time playing with my son (especially since he's at the age where he wants me to join in).

Never too busy to play with a child.

“Men do not quit playing because they grow old; they grow old because they quit playing.” 
― Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr.