Remembering the lost of art of play

In the relentless grind of adult life, we often lose sight of the simple pleasure of play. At some point, while you’re sitting in your office chair — which you’ve spent all damn day in — you begin to realize that life is steadily passing you by. Like Ferris Bueller once said, “Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.”

Growing up, we all played. We didn’t have to plan for it; it’s all we did. All day. Every day. We’d chase life’s whimsical pursuits. It was easy to dive headfirst into games, sports, and mischievous antics with friends who shared our appetite for adventure (and sure, perhaps some of it brushed up against the boundaries of law). None of your friends would ask you, “Is this productive?” because that would be weird. But as the years roll by and the weight of adulthood bears down on our shoulders, playing, becomes a blurry, foggy, distant memory.

It’s a curious thing, the evolution of play. As we grow older, so do our responsibilities, and suddenly, the carefree pastimes of our youth are overshadowed by the demands of work, bills, and all the other crap that makes up the dumpster fire of adult life. It’s as if we’ve been served a bland, uninspired existence, devoid of the flavor and excitement that once sparked our passion.

But here’s the thing: play isn’t just a frivolous indulgence reserved for the young and carefree. No, my friends, it’s an essential element in the journey of life, a secret ingredient that adds depth, richness, and a dash of spontaneity to the mix. And the key to unlocking its magic? Well, it’s all about finding the right people to play with.

As I grew older, I found myself surrounded by people who don’t like to play. In fact, there’s a whole area devoted to these people; it’s called Silicon Valley ;-) These people talk casually about “changing the world” or stock options or their latest startup or their half-broken demo (I know, I was one of these people), rarely pausing because pausing means you’re not reaching your full “potential.” Don’t get me wrong, these people can exist anywhere — not just Silicon Valley — and in fact, there is nothing wrong with choosing this locale, but don’t forget to play.

Now picture this: a ragtag group of misfits, united by their shared love of adventure and mischief. They’re the kind of folks who don’t take life too seriously, who relish the joy of the moment and aren’t afraid to let loose and have a little fun. Surround yourself with these rowdy comrades, and suddenly, the mundane becomes magical, the ordinary extraordinary. Unfortunately, this will take more work than you’ll want to put in. When I moved to Maryland, I found myself surrounded by misfits, enjoying life to the fullest. In my town, I’m one of the few in high-tech, and instead, people do other normal adult things: they were doctors, nurses, lawyers, soccer coaches, and finance advisors — and we almost never talk about work. We play.

But playfulness isn’t just about finding the right people; it’s also about carving out time in your busy schedule to savor the moments of life. Sure, there are bills to pay and deadlines to meet, but amidst the chaos of adulthood, it’s crucial to take a step back and indulge in a little escapade now and then. Whether it’s hitting up the local bar for a round of drinks, exploring the great outdoors, or embarking on a spontaneous road trip with friends, make play a damn priority in your life. In the end, embracing play is about more than just reliving the glory days of our youth; it’s about infusing our lives with the kind of zest and enthusiasm that only comes from embracing the unexpected. So let’s raise our glasses to playfulness, to adventures, and to never losing sight of the joy that awaits us in the rollercoaster ride of life. After all, Anthony Bourdain once said, “Your body is not a temple, it’s an amusement park. Enjoy the damn ride.”