Make Time for Play
I went to a friend’s birthday party on the beach last weekend. I thought it might be fun to take some sports gear in case some of my other 50+ year-old friends wanted to play a little. I’ve been wanting to get in better shape and know that I enjoy playing games more than an exercise routine in a gym.
It turned out that I got enough people to throw together an old school, two hand touch, Nerf football game. In the back of my mind, I worried that I’d get hurt, pull a muscle, or look foolish, since I’d not played in so long…
I quarterbacked and drew up plays like the button hook, hail Mary’s and even some razzle dazzle head fakes. Before I knew it, I was diving head first into the sand for the goal line.
I felt my lungs working harder than usual, my muscles getting a work out and an adrenaline rush that made me giddy—like when I was a kid playing in the yard. I was reminded of the fun I used to have: The fresh outdoors used to feed my soul, a slurp from the water hose was like nectar from the gods; and being exhausted from a day of playing with my friends was awesome. I felt free.
This special birthday beach party was a blast and the simple football game helped me reflect on the importance of “play” in an adult world… and taking action beyond one’s comfort level.
As a result of my BOLDNESS on the beach, I’m on a renewed path to get into shape, and to PLAY more.
It’s BOLD action that leads to BIG change — and this was a sunny reminder!