Play energizes us and enlivens us. It eases our burdens. It renews our natural sense of optimism and opens us up to new possibilities.

–  Stuart Brown, MD

 

Last week, my family celebrated Easter. Although my children are now “grown ups,” it is a holiday we look forward to with great anticipation each year.

Years ago, we began the tradition of having an egg hunt with friends, and we continue that tradition to this very day. Now, however, there is no one under 25 in the hunt, and some of the participants are well into their 30s! Some friends come just for the hunt and egg dyeing. They gather around the kitchen table, create beautifully dyed eggs, and vote on who created the best egg this year. Then it’s outside for the hunt! The hunt ends when they get tired (20-somethings wear out fairly quickly) and someone finds the GOLDEN EGG.

Most years, my children’s high school and college friends participate, traveling from wherever they are now living. You see, even as we get older and would no longer be considered children, we still have the need to play. Racing around the outdoors yelling when you find a hidden treasure and jumping up and down when the golden egg is revealed are all parts of play. For just a few moments, all of us forget our worries, fears and problems. We play.

As spring begins and you are tempted by the warmer temperatures and sunny skies, take some time to play. If you need some help, ask your children! Happy spring!

Creative people are curious, flexible, persistent, and independent with a tremendous spirit of adventure and a love of play.

-Henri Matisse