Recently, I attended a meeting where a friend talked about the benefits of play. She had done lots of research and told us about the need for children to play – how it aided in many ways in their development. What she had to say about play was interesting to all of us. We were a small group of older adults and one young couple. At the end of her presentation, she brought out cookies and (instead of milk) Bailey’s Irish Creme – and we played! We were at the house of the young couple who have 2 little children and they have the most extensive collection of Legos imaginable and that’s what we did. We played with Legos! There we were, all crowded around looking for the piece we needed to make whatever was in our imaginations! What fun we had that evening!
I’ve lived long enough to be classified as a senior citizen now and play is still very important to me. For my health, I try to stay active by walking and exercising at the gym. While I don’t play really active games like I used to do, I play card games like bridge and hand & foot. I’ve recently learned to play Mah Jongg. It’s fun!
When was the last time you ran with abandon? Jumped rope – or just jumped? Rode a bicycle? Laughed until you cried? Told a joke?
I challenge you to find a way to play today. Take a risk along with me. Even risk being silly, if that’s what it takes. Play, play, play. I’ll risk betting you’ll be happier because you did.
Mary Ann Taylor is a retired banker who's embarrassed to be technoligically illiterate, but proud to be Laura's mother. She realizes that at her advanced age, she's done more risking than she has yet to do, but is willing to risk this.
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Mary Ann – thank you for this reminder! I know (intellectually) that playing makes me more creative, more productive, more balanced, but I often skip it in favor of getting that next thing done. I’ll join you today and risk some play, even in the face of this ridiculously long to-do list. Thanks!
Well said, Mama. As your daughter-in-law, I can attest to your deep and abiding sense of play. And that (your love of play and play itself) is good for all of us! Every day should be fun, whether in the form of funny puns, goofy TV shows, games, silly emails, laughing walks with friends, or just giggling to ourselves about something funny we just saw or heard. Ah, life is good when we can play every day. Thanks for writing!
Yes – thanks for the great reminder. And I’ll play with you any time!
Ms. Taylor, I wouldn’t assume that you have more risks behind you that you have ahead of you. You have raised a strong daughter and a great son (an assumption based on your have a talented daughter-in-law.
My puppy was chewing my computer cord. I meant to write that you have a great son…on your talented daughter-in-law. Puppies can be distracting, in the nicest of ways.