Sometimes life seems so busy that I barely have time to take a breath. Balancing what are essentially three jobs takes some time management skills, but even then I start to feel burnt out.
Which is why I’m glad I have a 10 month old son to teach me how to play.
Playing is Creative Fun
Miles’ job is play. When he gets up in the morning, that’s the first thing he wants to do. When he’s eating, he gets annoyed because he’s not playing, exploring, learning new things.
My son is essentially creative. All children at this age are. They’re constantly finding new ways to interact with the world, because they don’t yet have a framework for what it’s supposed to look like.
Play is Essential to Living a Real Life
When I get home at the end of the day, I unplug–mentally and physically–and get down and dirty with my son. Seeing the world from his eyes, I realize how often I think I have things figured out. It’s sad, when you think about it.
I’m an ambitious person, and I think I could easily spend all of my time thinking about the next thing, whatever that may be. But when my son pulls me to the floor, I realize the importance of being in the now.
This is what play is about, isn’t it? Finding a way to enjoy life, whatever you’re doing, however many dollars are in your pocket, etc. It’s taking the time to do life, instead of flying through it.
And in the end, play makes us better at work. We’re recharged, reinvigorated, and can see things in perspective.
Is there room for play in your life? How often do you get your hands dirty in the now?
If you need any tips, here’s how my son entertains himself. With socks, of all things.
No related posts.