Make room for play in your life.

Sprinkle it into your day.

Send your friend a funny GIF. Gaze up at the constellations on a clear night and count how many you recognize. Play a musical instrument. I’m learning how to play the melodica.

Play doesn’t end when you leave the elementary school playground.

Adults need play.

Play is joy in action. Play is the verb to joy’s noun. It is the expression of joy. We create joy when we play. Play, in essence, is simply doing the things we love. Putting together puzzles, playing board games, dancing in the living room, or going for a hike are all forms of play. Even doing Wordle every day is play in action.

Our society poo poos play, regarding it as juvenile and immature. There’s no time for play between our careers, families, and other responsibilities. We only play if there’s time left over. We’re also a very sad, depressed, and anxious society.

Play shouldn’t be relegated to the leftovers. It is as important for our survival and wellbeing as food and shelter is. Joy is what makes our lives worthwhile, and play is joy’s garden. Play provides us with a continual source of joy.

If you’ve been feeling a lack of joy in your life, THEN START PLAYING!!

It could be as simple as counting the number of yellow cars you see during your commute. Take a walk around the block. Buy your favorite Funko Pop character and put it on your desk to remind you of all the things you love.

There are a million little ways to add play to your day.

Also make it a priority to add big play to your schedule, even if it’s only once a month. Join a volleyball or axe throwing league. Visit a museum or zoo. Take a hands-on arts and crafts class. Invest in what brings you joy.

Our world is in desperate need of joy right now.

We are in desperate need of joy.

We could all benefit from a good frolic through a field of wildflowers.