Time for Fun

Time for Fun

Finding time for fun. It’s easy, right? Well, not always, and some of us are so busy that we think we don’t have time for fun at all. This morning on one of my baking drop offs, (this one was a bread-by instead of my usual pie-by), a neighbor and I struck up a conversation about Fun. She shared with me that during a time of depression, instead of writing a prescription, her doc suggested that each day she engage in doing something fun. The doc said to view this as the prescription. And, you know what? She said that engaging in this practice has helped her emotionally, physically, and spiritually. 

I’ve certainly had my times when getting out of bed was the last thing I wanted to do because I didn’t feel that I could face another day. Marriage, kids, work, money, health have presented challenges at one time or another, many times in concert together, and probably yours, too. When I don’t face my challenges, my fear of them increases. So, I started identifying them as blessings…greater and lesser. 

• Greater blessings–meaningful work, my wonderful son, friends, my sweet dog and cat, and lovely place to live…are just a few.
• Lesser blessings–the hard and challenging stuff.

I don’t put hard work in the lesser blessing area. I love all of my work, but there are times when I can work to the exclusion of everything and everyone else. 

• Can you come over for dinner? Sorry, too busy. 
• Want to go for a walk? I have so many plates in the air. Rain check? 
• How about a movie? I couldn’t possibly break away right now. 
• Shall we meet for a cup of coffee? Maybe next week…the operative word being maybe.

All work and no play makes for a dull, stressful, and potentially unhappy life…maybe even a fearful one. It may seem easiest to stay home in my little queendom, writing, baking, cooking, gardening, putzing, but I truly don’t think any of us really want to become a prisoner of our own making no matter how nice a world we have created. 

So, during these last few weeks, I have made it a point to accept nearly every invitation I have received, as well as issuing invitations, and following up on them. Here are a few things I have done: 

• inviting friends over for dinner
• attending dinners at the homes of others
• hunting for treasures at yard and estate sales 
• more walks with my dog and walks with friends
• a big potluck at my home that family and about 45 friends and neighbors enjoyed
• attending a chamber music series where I saw folks I haven’t seen for years and heard and was inspired by world class performers
• a movie night where I laughed myself silly watching Calendar Girls with my home girls (women some of whom I have known for over thirty years)

My work is still there when I return, and I find that I’m in a refreshed and happy state of mind when I start back in to tackle it. Is usually ends up getting done faster after the happy treats I have been giving myself, and in turn, gives me more time to find more time for fun. All in all, I feel happier, more peaceful, and more rested, too.  

This is my happy face and I’m having fun!

My friend, Dianne Jacob, recently posted on Facebook about a free online course called “The Science of Happiness” that is being offered through the University of California/Berkeley. She said, “I can’t say enough about how great it is. I learned so much, and it really did boost my mood.” So I registered and am looking forward to the start date this Tuesday September 4th. If you are interested, here’s the link to register. 

My new book, HOME COOKING WITH KATE McDERMOTT will be released on October 16th, and YES, it would make me very happy if you might place a pre-order, too.