fun and work

Sometimes in life we need to cut back and have fun. As a child, life was a good balance of fun and work. You would have the average school days filled with learning, papers, tests, worksheets and the like, but there was also sufficient time for play. For me, it was playing a lot of sports like whiffleball, basketball, and the like with the other kids in the neighborhood. I always worked hard in anticipation for the enjoyment I would feel as I was running around, laughing, and playing with others. There was a sense of accomplishment and freedom that was natural to that lifestyle of balance, were I could be both a successful student and faithful friend.

As time has progressed and responsibilities abound, the balance of work and fun seems a little one sided. With the volume of stuff to be accomplished (especially at the end of the semester) and a lot hinging on performance, time for fun is a little lacking. But I realized, for myself at least, the necessity to give myself the space to be free and to have fun. Whether that is manifested in taking a break to play Rockband, old school Nintendo, watch a movie, catch dinner with a friend, talk on aim, or frolicing outside (and I do mean frolicing!), all have a way of rejuvenating our spirits. We need the energy and joy that is found in the fun times in our lives, to help get us through the times of monotony or the daily routine.

I hope that I always remember the joy of cutting back and letting myself enjoy the fun that life has in store, even if opportunities for it are less than before.