The Power of Play

All work and no play leads to burnout.

When we try to do it all at once, and all the time, we quickly realize a sustainable pace is vital to growth. After all, many seeds in our gardens will take most of the year to grow. So why then do we neglect the undeniable importance of play in our own patterns of growth?

The answer is both vast and simple: women are too often valued for skills and abilities instead of our inherent worth. If we don’t cook or clean, submit to men, or if we dare to speak our minds, we are easily dismissed as “high maintenance” regardless of where our true talents and passions lie. One particularly unnerving study came to this conclusion: “Female gender was found to be a strong predictor of partner abandonment in patients with serious medical illness. When divorce or separation occurred, quality of care and quality of life were adversely affected.” (source)

As we navigate the world and an existence riddled with expectations, we draw strength and confidence from even the smallest of joys like it’s a superpower. Butterfly hair clips, accessories for every outfit, even sharing our feelings with a close circle of friends can be the ultimate act of rebellion. What truly helps us break free from our rigid Barbie boxes, however, is the joy of play.

When was the last time someone asked if you can squeeze another task into your to-do list? And what was your answer? 

Even if we carry an inherent desire to serve others deep in our souls, it’s too easy to expend ourselves past our limits and desperately attempt to keep pouring from an empty cup. Taking to heart the expectations of the world leaves us grappling with the balance of our own humanity, our inherent right to be imperfect and guided by childlike curiosity.

When was the last time someone asked if you want to play mermaids? What was your answer?

If I were right in front of you and asked that question right this moment, chances are you would have to pencil that in, too. It’s understandable for us boss babes to be busy breaking molds and challenging the status quo. Or maybe the very thought sounds ridiculous because you’re a grown woman with important things to do.

Now, imagine your inner child asking that question. Picture her reaching up to take your hand and run off to an undersea adventure. You know exactly how she would feel if she was told to play alone, or that the idea is too childish for adults to enjoy. That curiosity she carries is how she opens doors for herself and explores what is right and wrong, fair and unfair. She doesn’t know about the world you’re navigating, but she utilizes the power of her imagination to explore an endless inner universe that will never be limited with a to-do list.

As we transition from Spring to Summer this month, take your inner child’s hand and let her guide you into her world of play. Splash each other with your fins, make friends with fish, and marvel at how gorgeous your hair flows under the water! Let yourself feel weightless as the rays of the sun shine through to the ocean floor. 

And don’t limit your play to a to-do list – entertain these moments as they come, because soon more will find you. Let the joy of play fill your cup and inspire your creative process as you work toward your goals for the year. Most importantly, always remember that at the end of the day, you are indeed the most magical mermaid in the sea.

There are many fascinating studies on the psychology of play and how it nourishes growth throughout our lives, and especially in childhood. This list on playworks.org is an excellent place to start!

To celebrate the first day of Summer, we invite you to join us for a Day of Play!

We love celebrating each season as it comes, and want you to experience that joy as well. They all come with unique lessons and opportunities to grow  for us as creative women, with a pace that sustains steady growth beyond the looming threat of burnout. So here’s a great excuse to take the day off on Friday, June 20th, and finally play mermaids!

Just kidding… a little. This Day of Play event is whatever you and your inner child want it to be, as long as you enjoy yourself. We would love to hear how you plan to spend the day – click here to tell us about your plans and we’ll share it in the next blog post!

Valerie, for example, will be taking in some gorgeous sights on the Day of Play:

“I might be crazy and I don’t know if additional minutes of daylight will make the journey any easier! I am taking part in the Cascade Lakes walking relay which is 10 gals alternating “legs” from Diamond Lake to Bend, Oregon!”

Let’s go, Valerie! We’ll be cheering for you on our Day of Play!