We work so hard at trying to live life that we forget to actually live it. Our present moments are filled with a myriad of thoughts consisting of ‘what’s next?’ Or we ruminate over past experiences that are irrelevant because they have been and gone. We skip over the present and dwell on the memories of the past and the illusions of future, which means our minds are in an unnecessary state of overdrive.

One of Australasia’s leading nutritional biochemists Dr Libby Weaver (PhD) said “Are we living too short and dying too long?” (Read it again, she is absolutely right).

‘The Top Five Regrets of the Dying’ is a book written by Bronnie Ware that nudges us to consider what things we can swap out of our lives and replaced them with a type of play that brings us joy.

1. I wish I had the courage to live a life true to myself and not what others expected of me.
2. I wish I hadn’t worked so hard
3. I wish I had the courage to express my feelings
4. I wish I had stayed in touch with friends
5. I wish I had let myself be happier

Deep down we all know these things, it’s not new information but the reiteration is helpful to get you thinking about what you can do to bring some play back into your life. Maybe you already do it, love it and are reaping the benefits, therefore this serves as a feel-good shoulder rub to know you’re on the right path.

Respected psychologist Tim Kasser says, “research shows that the more people value materialistic aspirations as goals, the lower their happiness and life satisfaction and the fewer pleasant emotions they experience day to day.”

It dawned on me that the most important thing you can give yourself is your time. A chance to be in the present moment without pressure, rules, judgement, or forcing something to be outcome driven. Let’s take our attention to our brains, if you didn’t know, we have four types of feel-good hormones in our body. The stuff that makes us say “that’s a beautiful thing, would you mind if I went back for several more helpings?” Thank you, Dopamine, Serotonin, Oxytocin and Endorphins. Dopamine in particular causes us to move towards what we want and then rewards us when we achieve it. If we lack enthusiasm, it means our dopamine levels are low and is a great way to know that something might not be ‘your thing.’ The beach for me is my happy place, I’m rejuvenated, calm, inspired, I love the salty air and sand under my feet, however one of my best pals just can’t stand it. Sand, salt-water, seaweed yuk! No thanks. That’s the beauty that we are all made different, so this is where finding your play in the form of an outlet that suits you is key. You’re guaranteed to add value to your life if you seek out something you enjoy.

Now, on that – enjoying something is enough of a reason to keep doing it. Don’t waste your time searching for more reasons. Your mind will try continuously to do this, so be aware.

Author and Grief Mentor Kay Backhouse said “I used to love playing the piano, but I stopped because what was the point of just playing for no reason? Then I realised, I wanted to play because I enjoy doing it”.  What other reason do you need?

I’m not focusing on negativity with any of the above, it’s the exact opposite. Think of it as a loving kick up the a$$ to give yourself the green light to find a play that you love and keep doing it.