“Look at me!
Look at me!
Look at me NOW!
It is fun to have fun
But you have to know how.”
~Dr. Seuss, The Cat in the Hat
The art of ridiculousness?! Yes, it is an art, and I try to practice it daily. What is life if one cannot have a little fun? I didn’t always used to be this way. I used to take myself much too seriously but I learned that it made me too old for my time. I was too worried about what others thought about me. As I age I’m realizing that for the most part most people are too self-absorbed to notice what anyone else is doing anyway.
At some point in our lives we are expected to stop the art of play. It is something we spent our whole childhoods perfecting. We are to put away childish things and join the adult world that takes everything so seriously. Whimsy and original thinking is, at best, frowned upon. It is as if on one fateful day, we look around and notice society is looking back with the look of distaste and expectant urgency “Now you’re one of us,” it says, and our magical world is pushed into the back of a dark closet; never again to see the light of day. People tend to think responsibility and whimsy cannot coexist, and work and fun are total opposites. I beg to differ.
There is much fun to be had in this world. One needs an open mind and a mirthful heart to find it; having fun is healthy. Numerous studies have proven the health benefits of fun and laughter.
I think the rebel in us pushes back sometimes, at the wrong time and, in the wrong way. We spend time, precious time, looking for that we have lost. The child inside of you is alive. Youth has not abandoned you: you have abandoned it. It is then…we not only grow up…we grow old.
Don’t grow old; embrace your inner child. I’ve met old nine-year olds and young ninety year olds…it’s all in the attitude. Don’t give up on that eternal playmate–he or she has not given up on you!
Wishing you a FUN filled day!
Strawberryindigo.
Life must be lived as play.
~Plato~
Related Articles
FUN: “We are young” (youtube.com)
Play for adults (hitchedmag.com)
Health Benefits of Having Fun: (stress.about.com)
The Importance of Play for adults (stress.about.com)
Perfection . . . is RIDICULOUS. (vicariouslythroughwords.wordpress.com)
Life Is Color 
I enjoy the photo especially the first one, it brings it so much fun hahaha its good to become silly sometimes to relieved the stress and brings back the youthful feeling…
LikeLike
Thanks Will of Heart! Silliness is good for the soul…life is too short not to be! 😀
LikeLike
I am the same way!! And like you, I used to take myself too seriously. This is why I love kids, they are ridiculously funny!
LikeLike
I’m so glad to hear that Spiritual! The world need more of us fun people…. YAY!
LikeLike
I LUV it! Fun! Fun! Fun! Hahahahahahahahaha!
Samot
LikeLike
Hey Samot! I’m so glad! Looks like you took the spirit off the piece and ran with it! Watch out…I’m right behind you!
ycnan
LikeLike
Now my tongue has to really get playful to pronounce that! 🙂
LikeLike
I think you are up to the challenge Tomas! 😉
LikeLike
Love, love, love this post! I wrote about remembering to play, and I am a believer. Too many of us forget to stop amid the meetings and errands and deadlines and just. have. FUN.
LikeLike
Hello Tori: Thanks so much for your kind words. I’m so glad that you are a believer–We need more people like you in this world! 🙂
LikeLike
I might was well die should I am not having fun. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. May I share this in my face book?
LikeLike
HI Seeker: Thanks for asking–of course you can! 😀
LikeLike
Tank u.
LikeLike
“As I age I’m realising that for the most part most people are too self-absorbed to notice what anyone else is doing anyway.” You’ve just put the truth of the world out here for all to see! So let’s have fun, and if we break through others’ self-absorption, maybe we can inspire them to get over themselves and add to the fun and mirth in the world. This is another really great article, Nancy- have you considered a submission to the lifestyle (or whatever they call it there) section of your newspaper?
LikeLike
Oh Janet…You are so nice! As a matter of fact, I have an idea I will be acting on and writing about then I will submit it to the local newspaper. I Just thought of it yesterday. I don’t want to jinx it, so I won’t speak of it here, but if I want to talk about it…could I email you? To the address under your name? or you could email me? To: strawberry.indigo@yahoo.com— I’d like your input. You are wise and I need your opinion. 😀 (You have made my day, my friend)
LikeLike
I stronger believe that it is indeed possible to reach out to that inner child and have fun all the time! Love your post 🙂
LikeLike
Hey Evil Nymph: It’s always nice to see you. Thanks for liking my post…viva la fun! 😀
LikeLike
I love your phrase “a mirthful heart”. That alone speaks volumes. From there, we can begin to regain our childish fun. Lovely post.
Thanks for visiting my blog, liking my posts and leaving your insightful comment.
LikeLike
Thank YOU Pollyanna: You have brightened my day with your kind words! Viva la FUN! 🙂
LikeLike
Wow! I am surprised and honored. Thank you! 😀
LikeLike
I am a BIG proponent of fun. I chase my dogs around the house till I get dizzy and am very well known as a huge jack ass & practical joker. To me, laughter is like medicine 🙂
LikeLike
Hey Sparky: That does sound like fun…although it doesn’t work with cats…could I borrow your dogs and chase them sometime? 😉
LikeLike
so true.. you know what i wrote on the first page of my journal for year 2013 (jan1), “i just want to be happy” .. we all need to bring out the child in us once in a while.. we are too engrossed with our jobs or chores as an adult and we really don’t have time to smile or be happy about something so simple like a child.. wishing you a fun-filled day too 🙂 🙂 🙂
LikeLike
Hey Elizz: Life is too short to be serious all the time. Much Happiness to you…and fun and silliness! 🙂
LikeLike
thank you.. 🙂
LikeLike
…too self-absorbed to notice, so, so true!! Thank you!
LikeLike
Thanks Amy…wishing you a fun-filled day full of silliness… 🙂
LikeLike
Long time ago, I decided that what people think of me if I am silly, is none of my business.
LikeLike
That’s great Valentina…Love it! 🙂
LikeLike
Thank you.
LikeLike
Once upon a time, I was a grownup with a desk and smooth clothes and carefully contained hair. Now, I play for a living, in blue jeans and t-shirts, and an often-pointy ‘fro. This is better 🙂 Thanks for the smile!
LikeLike
Right on Desi! That’s the spirit! Thanks for stopping by and thanks for the smile too–it’s like a boomarang…came right back. 😀
LikeLike
Thanks so much for the link to my blog. Being silly, ridiculous, or in other words being able to be completely yourself is freeing and FUN. Thanks for the reminder. Hope you have a ridiculous day!!
LikeLike
Hello Vicariously: Thanks, I will! haha! 🙂
LikeLike
I agree – being silly is good for you! The only problem is when people misconstrue my silliness and think I’m seriously mad, which does lead me to behave “properly” more often than I’d like. But the Germans all think Brits are eccentric anyway, so I can get away with it! Long live childishness!
LikeLike
Hey Cathy: All of us think the Brits are eccentric…haha 😉 That’s why you are so loved! BTW my Grandma was 100% British and I loved her dearly…and I am part of her and proud to be! Long live childishness!
LikeLike
I agree says sillyfrog. 🙂
LikeLike
Silliness is an art too, and one I approve of! 🙂
LikeLike