I have a confession to make.

Hello, my name is Kim Kotecki and I am addicted to getting my picture taken with fun characters. (both inanimate objects as well as humans, often in costume)

I know this could error on the childish side of the spectrum, but I argue that it’s my playful childlike side that motivates the addiction.

Here’s the scenario. Jason and I are out and about and we see a “friend,” as I like to call them. I quickly ask him to get the camera and within seconds I have the memory captured forever that will eventually make it’s way to the iPhoto files, destined to stay there forever, never to be printed off. (Anyone else out there NOT printing your digital pictures?)

This is an example of being playful.

I was thrilled to find out that the first class I would take in college for my major would be “The Importance of Play.” “This is the major for me,” I thought. Even though it focused on early childhood students, much of the homework for the class involved playing, doing things I liked to do. The professor was awesome! I’m sure you’re assuming it was the best blow off class ever, but I really learned a lot that semester and it opened my eyes to the importance of play for everyone, not just for 3-5-year-olds.

Adults assume that play has to either be done with children or, as adults, it comes in the form of an action or sport- playing golf, tennis, or video games. The essence of play comes down to the action of choosing to do something you want to do. You get to decide what’s important to you, to use your own creative thoughts and energy. Play is something that brings you joy and enables your mind to relax and move away from the worries and stress. Examples could be cooking, knitting, woodworking, gardening, reading, scrapbooking, playing the piano, and even getting your picture taken with some friends.

Do you carve out at least 30-60 minutes a day for play? (Playing a game with your kids or grandkids does NOT count.) It has to be something that YOU choose. If you choose to play Monopoly and they join you, then that’s fine.

Please tell me that, like me, you have a confession to make regarding play also. If you don’t, then your confession might go something like this,

“I don’t make time to play, but I know I need to.”

Admitting is the first step to recovery.

Ignite that childlike joy with some play today. You won’t regret it.

[tags]playful, The Importance of Play, childish, childlike[/tags]