Ending the Fun Recession

When was the last time you had fun? What exactly did you do for fun, and how often do you treat yourself to that kind of experience?  

If you were to share your current idea of fun with the past version of you that valued fun the most, whether it was your childhood self, your teenage self, or some other version of you that loved having a good time, would they be impressed? Or would they be in utter disbelief that your life is this boring?

If you’re like most folks in midlife, your answers might be a tad disappointing, at least to a younger version of yourself. You might not even remember the last time you had fun, and you might tell yourself this is normal.

From conversations I've had while researching my book, it seems many people struggle in this area. It’s even possible you feel triggered by the topic. I understand. Please bear in mind that my only objective right now is to encourage and support you to enjoy this one life you have just a little bit more. 

I believe we are in the midst of a fun recession, and I want to help the world remember our natural, playful disposition. One of the ways I can be helpful is to share what I do for fun. 

I just got back from a three-day live music experience put together by My Morning Jacket - the best live band in the world for my money. The event is called One Big Holiday, named after one of their best songs. Melanie and I went last year and had a blast. We talked about the experience non-stop, which led to eight of our friends joining us this year. 

We saw MMJ perform three, 2.5 hour sets with no repeats. They invited ten other bands to perform on various stages and beaches, throughout each day. There were costume contests, sticker swaps, golf and pickleball events, silent discos, and much more.

We had an amount of fun that 99% of adults will not have for the rest of their lives. Every day. Seriously, look at the pictures. 

Life can be hard. Work and relationships and parenting can be hard. If we have to experience the hard knocks of life sometimes, shouldn’t we experience pure bliss too?