14 Across

What’s a ten-letter word for allowing oneself to do something?

If you guessed p-e-r-m-i-s-s-i-o-n, you are correct! And that is the basis for today’s blog. We all need to give ourselves permission to do things we want to do, and not only restrict ourselves to completing those pesky duties we have on our to-do list (Like in my June 17th, “to-done” blog). Or maybe we need a separate to-do list, filled with all the fun things. Would that be titled a “want-to-do” list?

I mean, why do we feel guilty for taking time to complete a crossword puzzle, read a novel, build a plastic robot or Lego masterpiece, go fishing, golfing, stargazing, or any number of activities designed to reduce stress? Has our world become so busy that we need to be doing something productive every waking hour?

Yes, we all need to work and pay the bills, but we also need to take a step back and realize how healthy it is to consult our inner child and play! And I’m speaking to myself as I write this blog, since I am often guilty of not taking time to do something fun. Or worse, doing something fun and feeling conflicted while I’m doing it! How silly is that? (I know, Jeanne, very silly) Maybe some of you feel the same way, but if it helps you to justify those small moments when you unplug from the “real” world, studies have proven that taking a fun break will make you even more productive when you do get back to those productive duties.

It’s crazy to think about, but life can even get so busy that scheduling get-togethers with family and friends to have some fun can feel like a chore. That’s why it’s important to carve out even the smallest slice of time to do some quick, fun activities for yourself. You. Are. Worth. It. Now, repeat that back to me (Well, say “I am worth it,” but you get the idea). Okay, now say it again while balancing on one foot. See? This silly stuff is easy!

Let’s all make a pinky-swear oath right now to take time for the silly and feel-good activities that help to make life easier. Get on out there and shoot some hoops in the driveway, break out the crayons to tackle a coloring book (you can call it an adult one if it makes you feel better), zoom around the yard on your bicycle and do jumps, sit in your favorite deck chair and enjoy the sunshine, or read that comic book! Why not? A few minutes of fun stuff here and there helps to balance all that work crap, after all. Think of the endorphins you’re missing out on, people!

Look, I’d like to stay and chat some more, but you know what you need to do, and I need to get back to this crossword. Let’s see…now I need a four-word answer for “whatever you are.” That’s right, “be a good one!”

Until next week, have fun my friends.

-Dave