FUN, RECREATION AND LOVE
"Guard well your spare moments. They are like uncut diamonds. Discard them and their value will never be known. Improve them and they will become your brightest gems in a useful life" -Ralph Waldo Emerson
Each moment is precious and a gift of life. We are created to enjoy our lives, rest and find joy in our work and leisure. Fun and recreation provides opportunities to renew and recreate ourselves. Fun is creating enjoyment, amusement and pleasure in life. Even though it is subjective it is a positive emotional experience being playful and engaging in life. It is essential for us to have fun reflected in love, gratitude and celebrating our victories. As we consider fun and recreation, wholesome entertainment and right conduct gives us a clear conscious. Pay attention to principles for good living and keep everything in proper balance.
Enjoyment comes through material things and spiritual activities of the heart. We can have fun with others and also alone. Spending alone time enables us to rest and feel rejuventated. Spending quality time with people who are pleasant to be around enhances wellbeing. Fun and recreation enables us to release burdens of life, be free, and appreciate downtime to do things that make us feel alive. When we connect with our inner child we laugh, play and have fun. Keeping a light-hearted disposition with good humor and a positive mindset makes us good companions to ourselves and others. Laughter and a cheerful heart is medicine for the soul. Moreover, discovering ourselves and engaging in hobbies for self-exploration and connecting to people with similar interests enrich our lives. Whether it's sports, drumming, dancing, singing, writing, nature walks, retreats or classes, do what you love and speaks to your heart.
Perhaps there are those who say, "How can I enjoy life in the midst of toil and turmoil?" We can choose to move beyond obsession with the past and preoccupation with the future by being present in our lives. We can be content and fulfilled beyond worldly pleasures being generous to others. Generosity is an ingredient of love. A smile that uplifts not only ourselves but others and a compliment that brightens someone's day brings quiet joy. Furthermore, volunteering and participating in activities helpful to others including programs for children, youth and seniors are mutually beneficial. This enables us to get outside of ourselves and experience wholehearted connections. Dr. Jean Marie highlights her healing arts projects sponsored by her foundation, Life Care Wellness PEP for Angels, Inc. that included a two-year healing arts program at UMMC Children's Hospital for children, family and staff, partially funded by grants from the Mississippi Arts Commission for "Prime Time Family Time Storytelling Series" and "Prime Time Show Time Cultural Arts Festival" with diverse and interactive storytellers, magicians, artists, musicians and student ballet dancers from college and university programs that brought fun and joy to all. These programs bridged the gap between the hospital and the community for entertainment and memorable moments.
Dr. Jean Marie shares Reflective questions, Practical considerations and encourages a feel good Action Plan for Fun and Recreation from My Personalized Life Care Planner in her book, Living in the Spirit of Love: Our Natural State of Being. Live in love and joy. Make good memories and enjoy your life. Create a life you love.
Share your insights, observations and experiences: Email jean72farish@yahoo.com
She closes with her excerpts on Laughter, Simple Pleasures and True Joy.