Remember when you used to play just because it felt good?
Because it made you laugh. Because it lit you up. Because it made the world feel full of possibility.
Somewhere along the way, many of us traded that in for structure, responsibility, and “being serious.” We became experts at managing calendars, juggling roles, and checking off to-do lists. And while there’s nothing wrong with adulting — we need structure to thrive — something essential often gets lost in the process.
We forget to play.
As a transformational life coach, I’ve worked with hundreds of brilliant, accomplished women who’ve built beautiful lives… but still feel like something’s missing. When we dig deeper, we often discover a simple truth:
They miss the freedom and joy that came from play.
What Is Play, Really?
Play isn’t just about games or sports (though it can be!). It’s anything that brings joy, creativity, spontaneity, or laughter — without a specific outcome attached. It’s dancing in the kitchen, telling silly jokes, painting with your fingers, or walking barefoot in the grass.
Play is presence.
Play is pleasure.
Play is permission to be fully alive.
And it’s not just fun — it’s necessary.
Why Adults Need Play Just as Much as Kids
Here’s why bringing more play into your life isn’t frivolous — it’s foundational.
1. Play Regulates Your Nervous System
In a culture of constant productivity and stress, play is a natural way to discharge tension, reset, and bring ease to your body and mind.
2. Play Fuels Creativity and Innovation
You can’t access new ideas or solutions from a burned-out brain. Play opens up your imagination and invites in the kind of creative thinking that transforms both work and life.
3. Play Connects You to Who You Are — Not Just What You Do
In play, we remember our essence. We touch joy for joy’s sake. We step out of roles and expectations and into something freer, truer, and deeply nourishing.
3 Simple Ways to Add More Play to Your Life
You don’t need hours of free time or a new hobby. Here are a few easy ways to start:
1. Schedule Unstructured Time
Even 30 minutes of “no agenda” time can change your day. Turn off your devices. Do something just because it feels good — color, journal, take a walk, build something, make a mess.
2. Be Silly on Purpose
Try something ridiculous just for the joy of it: sing loudly in the car, wear your boldest outfit to run errands, make up a dance in your living room. Let go of “looking cool” and lean into feeling good.
3. Find Your Play People
Joy is contagious. Surround yourself with people who make you laugh, who inspire you to lighten up, and who remind you that fun is not just allowed — it’s essential.
You Deserve Joy Without Earning It
Play isn’t a reward for getting everything done — it’s part of what helps us stay connected, grounded, and awake to the wonder of life.
If you’ve been longing for more joy, more freedom, or just more you, consider this your invitation to play again. Your younger self (and your future self) will thank you.
Want support rediscovering your spark?
Let’s explore it together. Coaching with me is all about helping you reconnect with your truth — including the joyful, playful part that’s been waiting to come back to life. Click here to learn more.
