What Happened to Us?

Somehow along the way, we lost the fun.

Instead of sincerely feeling happy, joyful, elated and inspired, many days anyone you ask will give you a response along the lines of crazy busy, exhausted, anxious, drained or wiped.

And, when we try to impart some fun in our day, it can feel forced among the dirty dishes, endless commitments and supposed expectations.

What happened to us?

When did life become… so much work, and so much less… fun?

I can’t believe we are all here on this planet to feel wiped and drained and uninspired each day.

We are here to live, to have fun, to seek out our joy, and to hopefully make others feel joy and loved along the way.

Life is supposed to be fun. Life is supposed to be well lived.

If it’s not — if yours is not — it’s time to make some changes.

 

Let’s back up a second: as an adult, it’s unrealistic that every moment and every day will be fun.

If only I could get complimented and congratulated for taking naps and finishing my dinner.

Somebody has to work to pay the bills and actually sit down to do the bills, even though doing anything related to finances sounds like water torture to this girl.

The point is, we all of course have realities of life. From the mundane oil changes, doctor appointments and running errands, to the more serious realities of dealing with aging relatives, health issues and your child’s academics. I won’t even discuss the misery that is second grade Common Core math. That is surely sucking some happiness out of me.

However, amidst these realities, it’s time to get back to the sincere fun with laughs so honest and big your body can no longer hold in that much joy.

By the way, this does not include forced fun. You know what I mean, right?

Have you ever been to Disney or some place similar and see parents screaming, kids crying and everyone looks absolutely miserable?

“We are at the happiest place on earth!!! We are going on that ride whether you like it or not!”

Talk about the least fun, “fun experience,” ever.

(And you know that family only posted the cutest, happiest photos ever on social media. Let’s not pretend otherwise. If you’re a mom, you get it… so another gentle reminder that everyone’s “fun” is not always what it seems).

I’m learning that some of the best, most fun memories are when we can detour from life, detour from the plan we envisioned, and enjoy our time for what it is.

Maybe Disney isn’t working out… but room service, pajamas and a movie sounds amazing. So does pizza pool side.

I say that as someone who is pretty bad at a change of plans. It’s kind of a running joke with my husband, who has been on the receiving end of some really rude comments and awful glares. Sorry, Adam.

But I’m learning.

I’m jumping in the pool instead of refusing to get my hair wet. (Ok, not always, but way more often!).

I shake my booty when I hear music, whether I’m in the car, in my kitchen or anywhere near a dance floor.

I’m focusing less on what other people are doing with their children, and more about what my children want to do.

I’m inviting a girlfriend over for an impromptu glass of wine.

And, I’m not above giving my kiddos an iPad so I can have said glass of wine.

I’m breaking up my work week by asking my husband on a lunch date (perk: this doesn’t involve the cost of a babysitter — talk about adding joy to your life right there!).

I’m finding ways to feel more connected to my faith.

And, I’m saying yes when my daughter asks to go for donuts…. I eat one, too.

I’m going on that darn water slide and roller coaster — even though I’m slightly terrified — screaming my face off with this crazy mix of liberation, terror and incredible happiness all at once.

And, I’m indulging in naps. Because naps. They make everything better.

 

We each deserve all the happiness, we deserve to have fun, to have a seriously intense and fulfilling laughs — the ones so big you start crying.

Not everyday will be sunshine and rainbows, but we certainly have to do better than “crazy”, “exhausted” and “super stressed.”

We deserve to live a full life complete with all the joy your heart can withstand.

Do you ever wonder yourself what happened to us?