Are you having fun in your life? Do you even remember what it feels like to have fun?

You know, that three letter word that symbolizes laughter and smiles, good times and playfulness? If you can’t remember the last time you enjoyed yourself, we might be in trouble…

It’s easy to let responsibilities and schedules get in the way of having fun once you’re an adult. Somehow, having a mortgage or a plethora of bills to pay, seems to suck the playfulness right out of life.

We get so caught up in the day to day madness, who has time to even think about having fun?

Actually, you do…

Consider this a little reminder that YOU deserve to have some fun in your life. Just because you have a “to do” list that’s so long you don’t think it will ever get finished, doesn’t mean you can’t put some enjoyable and amusing activities into your life.

If it’s been a really long time since you’ve heard the sound of your own laughter, we’ve got our work cut out for us. That’s OK, I like a challenge. Don’t worry, I’ve got a plan to assist you in putting a little more excitement  into your life.

Here’s an exercise to help put the FUN back into your life:

1. Make a list of everything and anything you once enjoyed doing. Don’t think too hard or judge yourself when you’re doing this exercise. Whatever you liked doing as a child, even things you always thought about doing but never got to try, it all goes on the list. There are no rules. Do this when you aren’t pressed for time or in a rush to go somewhere. And, don’t think about how much vacation time you would need or how much it would cost to actually do whatever it is you’re putting on the list.
2. Now that you have your list, circle 20 items that really get you excited. The ones that get you to stop and think, “that would be cool.”
3. Write down each activity and what it would realistically take for you to make it happen. If, for example, you listed taking an art class or traveling to NYC, write down how much it would cost for you to actually visit NYC or sign up for a class. What amount of vacation time would you need to use? Get specific.
4. Here comes the FUN part. There are 12 months in a year. What would it take for you to get to do one of these activities each month for a whole year? Go through your list and cross out activities that are too expensive or unrealistic with your current life responsibilities. Do this until you get a list of 12 items. Don’t give up or get frustrated. Instead, get excited about all the fun you’re going to have.
5. Commit to making it happen. Get your calendar out and schedule when you’re going to do each item.

If you’re like me, many items on my list are actually quite simple, don’t cost a lot of money and don’t involve a huge chunk of time.

This is good news, because these activities are easy to do. There are definitely a few on my list that do involve a financial commitment and a lot more time. Just because an activity doesn’t make it into my final list of 12, doesn’t mean I’m going to forget about it. I hope to get to do everything on my list, eventually, but in the meantime, I’m quite happy with what I’m able to start doing now.

Figure out which fun activities work with your current life situation, and do them…

They key to really enjoying your life is to intentionally take the time to do things that make your life fulfilling and stimulating. I fully understand it might be a little challenging to make the day special when you’re rushing to take care of your kids, get to work, drive carpool and feel stressed about paying bills. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t find a little time each month to do something that puts some fun into your life.

Try it, I think you’ll like it.

Find meaning each day,

Dara

Don’t miss the Facebook Live show on Monday’s at 10:00AM EST