Fun Fun Fun

When was the last time you had real fun—not planned, not scheduled, but the kind that makes you feel alive again? Somewhere between raising children, building careers, and being everything for everyone else… many of us forgot how.

I love jazz.  I also loved DAZZ – yes – the DAZZ Band from the ‘70’s.  Their signature song was “Fun, Fun, Fun!!”  I was a teenager at the time, and the beat was extremely attractive to me.  As I have gotten just a little older, the word “Fun” means so much more than ever.

I graduated college, got married (More than once) and had children.  In all the different versions of myself, I was focused on raising children, my career and trying to be halfway decent wife. I was active in my sorority and regularly attended church and Sunday School.  My career took off which meant several promotions and relocations.  Since 1987, I moved seven times across three states.  I felt invisible and lost my sense of identity.

Over the years, I found quite a bit to enjoy – the children’s activities and growth, vacations, festivals.  But in all of that, I was not intentional about my own fun.  I was too busy.  Maybe next year, I would do something fun.  Okay, maybe next year.  Next Year. 

It is so easy to forget to do the things that came so easily to me as a child.  What happened?   Life happened.  As an adult, it is not easy to make time.  I forgot how to have fun.  In retirement, I decided to be intentional ab out having fun. 

Here’s what I’ve learned about creating a life that includes real fun:

• Be intentional – Fun does not “just happen” anymore

• Be willing to try something new – even if it feels uncomfortable

• Be open to going alone – or with new people

When was the last time you had real fun—not planned, not scheduled, but the kind that makes you feel alive again? Somewhere between raising children, building careers, and being everything for everyone else… many of us forgot how.

Having the right person by your side is key.  Enjoyment of an activity must also include having a partner who is also willing to go the distance to have fun.  However, if the partner is not available, be willing to go it alone.  Or go with friends.  There is a growing trend of travelling solo.   Just don’t sit around the house and mope about not having anyone to go with you. 

Recently, I joined a book club at the Plano Senior Center.  Yes, I am a Senior.  I am the only person of color in the group.  This experience has been wonderful.  Joining the book club was outside of my norm.  But the books and the discussions have been amazing.  I just finished “Horse” by Geraldine Brooks.  This would not have been a book I would have read on my own, but it has been the best book by far.  I also ate lunch at the senior center.  This was not a pleasant experience.  I sat at a table of old men, and they did absolutely nothing to acknowledge my presence at the table. I realized in that moment—connection doesn’t always come to you. Sometimes you must create it.

Being spontaneous will be my next hurdle to jump.   I love to plan my day, my trips and my activities.  To do something spontaneously will open opportunities to enjoy life.  Who knows, I may return to Costa Rico and Zip-line. 

What about you?  Are you truly enjoying this season of your life - or just moving through it?   

If you’re ready to stop waiting for “next year” and start creating a life that includes joy, fun, and fulfillment now…

 let’s talk

Together, we’ll map out what fun—and freedom—can look like for you in this next chapter.

Have fun!!!