Play Like a Kindergartener

When we were kids, fun didn’t need a reason. We could spend hours making up stories, singing nonsense songs, running through sprinklers, or digging in the dirt or sand. As an adult, it’s easy to get caught up in tasks, obligations, and responsibilities. There’s always something serious demanding attention, and if I focus too much on what I have to do, I forget that life needs to be fun too. Work matters. Getting things done matters. But forgetting to play can take a real toll on both the mind and body.

A couple of weeks ago, my partner set up a small painting station in our living area—just some watercolor paints, thick paper, and space to create. I’m not a visual artist. I don’t know how to draw or paint, but I had so much fun sitting across from him, playing with colors. I kept peeking at his work and watching it develop, and it made me smile. Neither of us is “good at it,” but that didn’t matter. In fact, because I knew mine wouldn’t be “good,” I let myself make decisions freely. I wasn’t trying to impress anyone or get it right—I was just playing.

Play isn’t just a break—it’s how we reset. It gives our minds space to wander, sparks creativity, and lets us experience joy without conditions. And that’s the thing. Play isn’t about skill or productivity. It’s not about getting better at something or turning it into a goal. It’s about giving ourselves a break—not just from work, but from the constant pressure of being a person.

I don’t need to paint every day or invest in professional supplies. But I do need to make space for play—whatever that looks like. So whether it’s painting, dancing in the kitchen, or playing a board game—let’s make time to play. Not to improve at it. Not to be productive. Just because it’s fun.

ACTION: Make time for play today. Do something purely for fun—doodle, dance in the kitchen, play a game, or try something new without worrying about being good at it. Let yourself enjoy the moment, just because.