The Power of Play: Finding Joy Again
Remembering Childhood Joy
When I think about joy, my mind goes straight to summer. Those long, golden days are some of my favorite memories. Maybe I was just a summer kid at heart. Back then, we were practically nudged out the door and told to go play. While some Gen X kids weren’t allowed back in until the streetlights came on, my experience wasn’t quite that extreme—but staying outside was definitely encouraged. We drank water straight from the green garden hose (because who had time to go inside?), and all the neighborhood kids would bounce between each other’s yards, creating our own little world of adventure.
Once we could ride bikes, we’d race down the little slopes in our neighborhood, feeling the wind in our faces like we were flying. I still remember when two of our roads got paved—it was a huge deal! But most of our time was spent in the gravel alley, a safe and familiar playground that our parents approved of. And if it had rained the night before? Jackpot. The next morning, there’d be puddles perfect for making mud pies. It was always the simplest things that brought the biggest joy.
On rainy days or when I had to stay inside, I found my happiness in crafting. The moment I was trusted with scissors, I was designing tiny clothes for my teddy bears and Barbies. And when I wasn’t busy playing outside or lost in my little fashion world, I’d be with Grandma June and Great Grandma Hilda. Grandma Hilda had MS, and Grandma June took care of her with so much love. But what I remember most is how Grandma June carried herself—she loved fashion, wore whatever made her happy, and radiated confidence. Watching her, I learned an important lesson: being yourself is the best thing you can be.
I didn’t go digging for more pics as I was sick this weekend and I didn’t finish weeks ago like planned! … so… you get me and our puppy we named lucky!
Bringing Play Back Into Adult Life
Looking back, I realize that the things that brought me joy as a kid are still the things that light me up now. Whether it was crafting, playing dress-up, or getting my hands messy, those moments of creativity and playfulness were everything. These days, I still get my hands dirty—just in a different way. Instead of making mud pies, I’m out in the garden, planting, nurturing, and digging into the earth. And honestly? It brings me just as much joy.
As an adult, it’s easy to get caught up in responsibilities and forget how to just play. But finding little pockets of joy is so important—especially with everything going on in the world. For me, that’s meant picking up yarn crafts. I’ve been learning to make amigurumi, crocheting blankets, and I’ve even been thinking about making my own clothes. I’m not sure if I’ll crochet, knit, or sew—maybe all three! But I do know that tapping back into that childlike curiosity makes life feel a little lighter.
Your Turn to Play
If life’s feeling a little too serious lately, I invite you to bring some play back into your world. Think about what made you happy as a kid—was it drawing? Dancing in your living room? Building with Legos? Digging in the dirt? Whatever it was, find a way to do it again. Give yourself permission to be playful, to create, to explore. That joy is still there, just waiting for you to come back to it.