A Little Dose of Fun will Make Your Day!

What have you done for fun lately?

No . . . really . . . I’m serious. What have you done to rejuvenate yourself? I’m not talking about spas or massages or getting your nails done, although those can give you a bit of a boost, as well. I’m talking about those simple no-cost; low cost things that make you smile and feel all warm and fuzzy inside.

I have to admit, I’m no expert in the area of fun. I think I’ve earned the reputation of being an all-work, no-play kinda gal. It’s not that I have anything against people having a good time, I just haven’t given myself permission to go there very often.

I was raised with a “you need to get your work done first, THEN you can play” mentality that’s hard to shake. Except, I eventually figured out that the work never runs out. There is always one more “should” on the list. How can you relax and have fun, with all those “shouting shoulds” assaulting your brain?

OK . . . maybe you don’t share that struggle. But, when you’re dealing with addiction in the family and the deep hurt of betrayal, life tends to get real serious, real fast. Fun can quickly become a dim memory. It’s easy to miss those golden moments, that might bring us joy.

This week was unique for me. One evening we had a few friends over to watch a movie —a recovery movie. Doesn’t that sound like a barrel of fun? I’m not sure if it’s proper protocol for a movie about addiction, but we popped some popcorn and made a “party” out of it. The movie was extremely enlightening, but that wasn’t the best part. Once it was over, nobody was in a hurry to leave and we ended up sharing our stories and talking about some of the blessings (and miracles) God has provided over the years. It ended up being a delightful evening. It had its serious moments, but it also had lots of laughter and a wonderful sense of connection.

Later in the week, I was out running errands and happened to be driving by Taco Time just after noon. I was hungry and started to “crave” a taco salad. Normally I would have just kept driving. I would have told myself that I shouldn’t spend the money . . . or I didn’t need it . . . or we had food at home. But, that day, I decided “why not?” and pulled into the drive-through. I grabbed a salad and headed for home. It was so fresh  . . . and tasty . . . I savored every moment of it. I certainly wouldn’t do it all the time . . . but that day it was nice. It had been a very long time.

Both of these events were small. They weren’t a big blip on the “fun-o-meter,” but they caused me to slow down, enjoy the moment, and left me feeling contented. We all need a little more of that — especially when our lives feel like they are spinning out of control.

So, what’s it going to be for you this week? A tiny treat?; a cup of tea with a friend?; a leisurely bubble bath? It doesn’t need to be big—just enjoyable, relaxing and smile-worthy!

“A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.”
— Proverbs 17:22

TODAY’S CHAT: What little gift of enjoyment are you going to give yourself this week?