Fully Present, Fully Alive: Why Fun Creates Lasting Memories

This may be one of the simplest arguments.

God created:

· Mountains

· Beaches

· Waterfalls

· Sunsets

· Flowers

· Birds

· Music

· Laughter

· Friendship

He could have made the world purely functional.

Instead, He filled it with beauty, wonder, and delight.

That suggests that enjoyment wasn't an accident—it was part of the design.

I think sometimes it makes us a bit uncomfortable to think that God really wants us to have a good time. It just seems too – frivolous. But God created us and knows what suits us best. And since He knows that fun is important for our well-being, I think we should go for it! 

Here are some suggestions for that:

· Learn a simple magic trick – there are lots of instructional videos online

· Take a dance lesson – when my mom was alive she learned how to tap dance – in her late 60’s!

· Visit a local museum – find ones that have exhibits that will be interesting to you and your family

· Explore an antique store – really make the most of your visit by doing a little early Christmas shopping.

And one last thing.

When people look back on life, they rarely treasure the extra hour they spent answering email or doing paperwork.

They remember:

· Family vacations

· Game nights

· Fishing trips

· Picnics

· Birthday parties

· Concerts

· Camping trips

· Time spent laughing with people they love

Fun creates stories and memories that often last a lifetime.

Benefit:

· Strengthens relationships

· Increases life satisfaction

· Reduces future regrets

· Creates a richer life experience

At the end of life, most people don't wish they had worked more. They wish they had enjoyed more moments with the people they love.

Maybe we should reframe things to - fun isn't a reward for finishing your work. It's part of a healthy life.

Here are some more suggestions on getting fun in your life.

· Take a train ride – this is a great way to travel. Kids can walk around, use the bathroom and get food.

· Rent a kayak, canoe or paddleboat – bring extra dry clothes

· Create a summer bucket list – having a lot of ideas on how to keep kids entertained is always a good idea

· Spend an afternoon being a tourist in your own town – look up events that will be happening near you

· Try the Pokemon Go app – a great way to get the family moving and outside

We weren’t meant to carry every burden alone. If you’d like support in creating a healthier, calmer life, I’d be honored to help.

Dr. Melissa Rich

Whole-Person Wellness that Honors God’s Design

https://drmelissarich.com