Day 12 - A Walk In The Park
Dan and I have a bit of a habit/addiction of working around our property and if you leave us to our own devices, we'll work constantly. There is ALWAYS something to get done, something on the list, something that is "urgent." Operating from this vantage doesn't leave much room for play. We use to play more, or so it seems. When I think about why this is, I believe it is because our habits were more selfish and our To-Do Lists were checked off. Or maybe it's about priorities? By having a family, a farm, and old house and a self-sufficient lifestyle, there is always something more pressing that needs to be tended to besides our playful whims.
Or is there?
Daisy has reminded us that playing is important. Without it, life is all work and no play and that makes for a dull time. And time ticks on whether or not it's playful or dull. We all grow older - and we grow older and dull or older and playful.
So, we've started something new in our family - Family Fun Day. One day a week, we set aside time to do something fun as a family and not related to chores or projects around the property. Each week, someone new picks the day's activities. Daisy was in charge this week, and a day at the park was on her list. Riding bikes, playing on the playground, playing hide-n-seek and dinner at Applebees was her wish for the day. Oh, and hot fudge sundaes... of course.
Or is there?
Daisy has reminded us that playing is important. Without it, life is all work and no play and that makes for a dull time. And time ticks on whether or not it's playful or dull. We all grow older - and we grow older and dull or older and playful.
So, we've started something new in our family - Family Fun Day. One day a week, we set aside time to do something fun as a family and not related to chores or projects around the property. Each week, someone new picks the day's activities. Daisy was in charge this week, and a day at the park was on her list. Riding bikes, playing on the playground, playing hide-n-seek and dinner at Applebees was her wish for the day. Oh, and hot fudge sundaes... of course.
And when the day was said and done, the list was still there - waiting - but we all felt better having ignored it for a bit.
I love it.
ReplyDeleteBenjamin and I were just talking about establishing a weekly family night ... no phone calls, no computer, no apps, no texts ... just us.
I remember in high school Lisa Quinn telling me she couldn't do some school activity because it was family night. At the time, I thought it was crazy. Now I think it's brilliant and plan to duplicate it.