An Unexpected Call to Action

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We're kind of a straight-laced bunch, aren't we? I mean, it's not something I notice often, because I don't see the water I'm swimming in. But recently, I've looked around with wider eyes. And what I see is … a lot of the same walking, talking, and being. Not so much color, really.

I especially notice today as I assemble a powerpoint for our monthly Writers Group. (Ask me how to join in on that.) When I search images related to play—our theme—no adults playing pop up.

Zero images of adults goofing around. Why is that?

"Play" in the steering wheel means it wiggles a bit before getting serious about turning the car. My twenty-three year old kid purposefully maintains random scoot-alongs in his walk, stepping unexpectedly left and right, hopping up on rocks, and spinning or jogging a bit now and then. He doesn't want to get dusty before his time.

He's right to be concerned. As we get clear in our "jobs" as adults, whether it's doing the dishes or typing an email, we tend to take the shortest route between two points. We walk directly, talk directly, and get right to it.

But at what cost? One of the signs of genius is the connection of very different fields or thoughts. Random connection is the birthplace of innovation. Which takes some wiggle room, doesn't it? And so I ask: Would you like to join me in loosening up a bit? Doing something out of sequence or taking the long way around?

When someone asks for a kitchen towel, how about we toss it to them? Skip for a block? Jump over a log? Happy dance that celebration?

We can play in our thoughts, our bodies, and our spirits. The most playful people I know do all three. I think it's a kind of activism, really. A way of saying, "Nope. Not conforming today. Not getting old and stuffy on my watch."

We love to witness play in action. In the movies, playful adults strike us as endearing, daring, and authentic. What if we see them as a call to action?

Today is my day to play. Unstructured. Opportunities at every bend. What will become of me?

Message me back if you'd like to join in! And tell me where and when you aim to begin. Let's make the world a more playful place.