It’s soooo easy to get stuck in a solemn mood. Maybe it’s because I’m focused on a goal or possibly because I’m determined to craft a new plan of attack for whatever strikes my fancy lately. It’s not always because I’m sad or discouraged about something. These are the times when I stay in a mood. It’s that dull, lackluster, monotonous feeling where things seem to just be rolling along with the clock, no big changes or manifestations.
Ew to that. I like the sparkle and the joy.
It’s like when I want to be dancing around the kitchen, music blaring (Well, not blaring; I don’t like super loud things in my house. I have sensitive ears, okay?), making scrambled eggs or something. You know the feeling, when I don’t have a time schedule and just act a little weird and silly like no one’s watching, even if someone is. It’s freedom to let go of control and literally let loose.
I got to thinking this more and more recently. As adults it’s almost an unlearning of sorts. We’re taught to button up and save the wild times for very specific moments when they’re deemed acceptable.
Hello! There is no scheduling fun when you’re a kid. We can be silly! We can have fun! This doesn’t make us any less responsible or respected as grown ups. In fact, I believe it sends out the message to the universe that we’re having a great time here on Earth and we’re open to more enjoyable moments. So yes, it’s not a perfect world where we never lose our sense of fun for fun’s sake, but this just means we have to be a tad more conscious about it.
I’m trying to make time for the silliness.
- Watch a funny movie/TV show I know gets me laughing or smiling or just feelin’ good.
- Daydream.
- Sing out loud to my favorite songs.
- Color.
- Play dress up.
None of this is relegated to kids; we just seem to forget these are options.
Last night my mom and I went to see I Love Lucy in the movie theaters for Lucille Ball’s birthday and it was so fun. They showed a couple episodes in color and even though I’ve seen them all (many times) before I still laugh so hard! It was worth the staying up a little later. If you know me, you know I’m in bed by 8:30pm on a weekday…
This was the reminder I needed that I can laugh and have a great time any moment of any day. A “normal” schedule doesn’t allow time for that. It doesn’t always come naturally but it always boosts my mood for a long time after. It’s something I’m working on and I think it will keep getting easier to do without thinking.
So for now, I’m just over here connecting with my inner child, people!
~Whitney
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