Make Time….to Play!

As parents and people, we have a lot on our plates.

We work hard to love our children well and take care of our family, friends and home. We research, find tools, try new ways of being, deeper ways of connecting. We hold it all together.

I recently had an “Aha” moment as a feather, soft and light and fluffy as feathers are, brushed across my face. I felt open, curious, aware, silly, wondrous and receptive. In the moment. “This is how my children experience Life all the time,” I thought.

Snow outside brought some creative thought to cooking inside. Even my 1 yo was wide-eyed with excitement.

Children, wise beings that they are, truly get play. They show up, fully present, to each moment. They play hard, asking and answering deep questions, expressing and exploring deep emotions, considering and connecting deep thoughts.

In the present moment, there is openness, awareness, connection, curiosity…playfulness. 

I got a big wake up call to play. Play Now. No, not after I sweep the kitchen. Right Now.

So, I quiet my bustling mind with all it’s “shoulds” and “have tos” and make time to play. Really play. Not only to play with my children, but to play in whatever way I am feeling inspired.

I intently build a tower, and knock it over. I wrestle with my 1 yo. I dance on the table with my 3 yo. I paint and draw. Tell made up stories. Real Play.

Everyone, myself included, loves to say to parents of young children: “Enjoy them because, these early years go fast!” When you’re covered in food, spit, puke, pee or other bodily fluids, it can be difficult to find our way to that wisdom. When you’re eyes are burning because you’re so tired from a wakeful child, it can be difficult to hear that wisdom. When you’re mind tells you it will explode if the crying and screaming doesn’t stop, it can be difficult to live that wisdom.

Sometimes when I have felt busy all day, I think back and wonder (worry) about how I connected with my children, my partner. I have found that when I make time to play, I easily find those little blessings of joy that I made time for throughout the day. I go to bed with a full heart remembering those tiny moments of fun and love.

Here’s the wonderfully simple reality: When we play, we invite more connection and joy into our relationships and our lives without overthinking it. Just by being.

So, the next time you are called to play, Say YES!

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