Welcome to My Playground
As I’m dodging the heat during these dog days of summer, I take the time to remind myself to slow down and enjoy every moment. And… make time to hit the playground. Willow knows what I’m talking about:
So does Pango (below). Being carefree does wonders, even if it’s for a short while. Whether it’s playing around with words and stories, hanging out with our animal friends, human friends, or favorite jasmine bushes, or simply engaging in activity that lifts our spirits, it’s fun!
Playground ideas for writers:
– Write something different, inspiring, uplifting. I’ve been doing that lately and I give myself a lift each time.
– Read something uplifting. Even a simple quote like this one will do the trick:
Nothing is too wonderful to happen or too good to last. ~ Florence Scovel Shinn
– Write a thank you note or any kind of thoughtful note to someone. I read an article about a woman who was hooked on painkillers. She couldn’t survive without them, until her doctor told her she had to stop, at least temporarily. She needed an operation and the painkillers conflicted with the procedure. So, for two weeks, she went cold turkey and to divert herself, took the time to write thank you notes to everyone, from her gardener, to the cashier at the grocery store, to the postal worker, and so on. Every day for two weeks. Then she had her operation, which was successful. Her physician informed her she could resume her painkillers. Well, guess what? She didn’t need them anymore. Gradually, while writing the heartfelt notes, her pain diminished to nothing. Writing in a positive manner does help.
– Single-tasking does wonders for the soul and the mind. I’m a recent convert after engaging in high-level, multi-tasking for years. I find my mind is now clearer, my thoughts where I want them to be, and the moments more enjoyable. What took me so long?
There is so much more to playground activities (baking treats, taking walks in nature, gardening, spending time with loved ones). So many opportunities to play daily. We all deserve some playtime, don’t we?
