Rediscovering the Joy of Fun: Nurturing Our Inner Child

Written by Maria Luedeke

In the hustle and bustle of adult life, we often find ourselves buried under a mountain of responsibilities and obligations. We prioritize work, family, and societal expectations, relegating fun to the sidelines as something frivolous or even unnecessary. But what if I told you that fun isn't just for children? What if embracing fun in our lives is not only beneficial but also essential for our well-being? I wanted to explore this notion through the lens of William Glasser's Five Basic Needs, with a focus on the often neglected need for fun.

As human beings, we are wired to seek fulfillment in various aspects of our lives. According to Glasser, our Five Basic Needs—Survival, Love & Belonging, Fun, Freedom, and Power—form the foundation of our psychological well-being. While each of these needs plays a crucial role, it's the need for fun that often gets overshadowed in adulthood.

Think back to your childhood days when laughter came effortlessly, and every moment was an opportunity for adventure. As we grow older, societal norms and expectations impose upon us the idea that fun is reserved for special occasions or designated leisure time. We're conditioned to believe that being productive and responsible means sacrificing fun in favor of practicality.

But what if we've been approaching fun all wrong? What if fun isn't just a distraction from our responsibilities but a vital component of a fulfilling life? Embracing fun doesn't mean shirking our duties; instead, it enhances our overall well-being and productivity.

Fun isn't just about engaging in lighthearted activities; it's about fostering creativity, reducing stress, and strengthening interpersonal connections. Whether it's trying out a new hobby, spending quality time with loved ones, or simply allowing ourselves to be silly and spontaneous, fun enriches our lives in countless ways.

Moreover, incorporating fun into our daily routine can have profound effects on our mental and emotional health. It serves as a powerful antidote to the pressures and stresses of modern life, allowing us to recharge and rejuvenate our spirits. When we prioritize fun, we cultivate a sense of joy and fulfillment that permeates every aspect of our existence.

So why do we continue to overlook the importance of fun in our lives? Perhaps it's because we've internalized the belief that adulthood requires us to be serious and stoic, devoid of the carefree spirit of our youth. Or maybe it's because we fear judgment or ridicule from others if we dare to embrace our more playful side.

But here's the truth: Fun knows no age limit. It's not about conforming to societal expectations; it's about reclaiming our innate sense of wonder and curiosity. It's about nurturing our inner child and allowing ourselves the freedom to experience joy in its purest form.

As adults, we often find ourselves juggling multiple roles and responsibilities, leaving little time for self-care and enjoyment. But it's essential to remember that prioritizing fun isn't selfish or indulgent—it's a radical act of self-love and empowerment.

So consider this your reminder to make a commitment to infuse more fun into life, one playful moment at a time. In our family we regularly have kitchen dance parties where we turn up the music, dance and sing at the top of our lungs. It's a lighthearted moment for us to be silly, to move our bodies, to dance together and let go. My kids will often say “I can’t believe you’re an adult” or “If only your clients could see you now!” and I take that as a compliment because it means they’re seeing me stripped of any vanity, artifice or responsibility–just seeing me having fun with my family. So, whether it's dancing like nobody's watching, turning up the music in your car and singing at the top of your lungs (I may or may not have done this too recently!) or simply taking a moment to be silly with our children, let's embrace the transformative power of fun.

In doing so, we not only honor our own need for joy and fulfillment but also set an example for those around us. Let's create a world where fun isn't just a luxury reserved for special occasions but a fundamental aspect of our everyday existence. After all, we only have one life to live and making sure it is a fun life should be a priority! I hope my children will carry on kitchen dance parties with their children and I can dance with my grandchildren in the kitchen someday–even if I need a walker to do it!