The Power of Fun | July 2023

Hello Friends,

Recently I’ve been reading a book entitled “The Power of Fun,” by Catherine Price who also happens to be the author of “How to Break up with Your Phone.” You can guess what the premise of the book “The Power of Fun” is about.

Price argues that, if you’re not having fun, you’re not fully living. Some of us (myself included) often think of fun as indulgent, immature and selfish. We claim to not have time for fun even though we spend hours of our time with what Price calls “Fake Fun” - binging on television, doomscrolling the news, or posting photos to social media, all in hopes of filling some of the emptiness we feel inside.

Candidly I felt drawn to read this book because I don’t think I have enough fun in my own life - at least not enough “True Fun” which Price defines as the magical confluence of playfulness, connection, and flow. She says that when we experience True Fun, it will give us the fulfillment we desperately seek. If we use True Fun as our compass, we will be happier and healthier. We will be more productive, less resentful, and less stressed. We will have more energy. We will find community and a sense of purpose. We will stop languishing and start flourishing. And best of all? We’ll enjoy the process. Compelling, isn’t it? I thought so too!

I haven’t quite finished the book yet, however, it’s got me thinking, deeply, about what True Fun looks like in my own life. She asks some great questions in the book for one to self-reveal. 

I’ve enjoyed recalling a few of my “True Fun” moments in my own life:

When Samuel was about 8 years old, he, his Dad and I were playing catch in front of our house. First of all, my son was impressed that his Mama was able to play catch with a baseball and mitt. We were all fully engaged, free from distractions which resulted in an easy flow of throwing the ball to one another. I will never forget the smile on my son’s face of pure joy. He, as well as I, was having so much fun! There was a feeling of complete surrender and utter happiness! 

Another time was when Rob and I “won the lottery” to go to the Super Bowl and watch our beloved 49ers in New Orleans. It was a completely spontaneous decision and the excitement of entering into the “unknown” was invigorating. We entered into the experience wholeheartedly - going to all of the booths and participating in all of the “Super Bowl activities” that were being offered. The energy, the ambiance, the food, the sights, the sounds, the thrill of “calling an audible” and halting our lives to find a babysitter, get airline tickets & book a last minute hotel - it was riveting! Even though the 49ers lost, it was an experience I will never forget!

Another “True Fun” activity I enjoyed was when I was on a long walk listening to music. The music was energizing me and I wanted to dance. I thought for a moment how foolish that might look and so I decided to start skipping instead. Before long I couldn’t help myself and I broke out into a little dance. I remember thinking how silly I must look to all of those passing by me on the road but I really didn’t care. I was having So Much Fun - being in the moment with no distractions and not having a care in the world about what other people thought of me. :-)

Some of you know my story. I left home at a young age and have always had the mindset of having to work All.The.Time. just to survive. Fast forward many years later, I have come to realize that I have not given myself “permission” to have fun and explore my creativity. Now is my time!

So, if you see me skipping and dancing down the street, you’ll know why! May we all experience genuine True Fun, the kind that makes us feel more alive!

Yours in playfulness,

Rica