Rediscovering Play!

"But wherever they go, and whatever happens to them on the way, in that enchanted place on the top of the Forest, a little boy and his Bear will always be playing." – A.A. Milne, Winnie the Pooh

I can’t help but smile every time I read this line. There’s something so simple yet profound about it—a reminder that the essence of play lives in us, no matter where life takes us.

And yet, as adults, how often do we let ourselves play?

As we grow older, we seem to pack away our sense of play along with our childhood toys. The world becomes serious—work deadlines, family obligations, endless to-do lists. Play seems frivolous, even irresponsible, something we leave behind when we step into adulthood.

The truth is: we need play just as much now as we did when we were children. Maybe even more.

I remember a time when I was knee-deep in work, feeling overwhelmed by endless meetings and responsibilities. Life felt like a giant treadmill—fast-moving, but somehow going nowhere. Then one day, out of sheer exhaustion, I decided to do something completely unexpected: I built a fort out of pillows in my living room. Yes, an actual fort, the kind I build when I play with my 6 year old nephew. I crawled inside with a cup of tea and a good book, and for that brief moment, I felt like time had stopped. It was playful, silly even, but it was exactly what I needed.

That experience reminded me of the power of play. And no, it wasn’t just about the fort—it was about letting go of the need to be so serious all the time, to allow myself a little space for joy, for wonder. And you know what? Afterward, I felt recharged, more creative, and ready to tackle whatever was waiting on that daunting to-do list.

The truth is, when we allow ourselves to play, we reconnect with a part of us that is vital to thriving in both our personal and professional lives.

Playfulness invites creativity.

It opens up space for connection with others. It even helps us manage stress.

Play isn’t just a break from life—it’s a way to live life.

Think about the last time you laughed so hard your belly ached. Or the last time you got completely lost in an activity, not because you had to do it, but because it was fun. When was the last time you allowed yourself that kind of freedom?

As adults, we often believe play is a waste of time.

But in reality, it’s essential.

Play helps us think differently.

It helps us innovate, problem-solve, and bring fresh perspectives to the table. Some of the most brilliant ideas don’t come from sitting at a desk grinding away—they come when we’re relaxed, in a playful state of mind, allowing our imaginations to roam freely.

I’ve worked with leaders who struggled with stress, perfectionism, and burnout. But once we reintroduced play into their lives—whether through playful team-building activities, light-hearted conversations, or simply creating space for joy—their leadership blossomed. They became more connected to their teams, more innovative in their thinking, and more resilient in the face of challenges.

It’s not about building pillow forts every day (though I highly recommend it from time to time!). It’s about inviting a spirit of play into our daily lives. It could be cracking a joke in a meeting, taking a walk in the park just for fun, or trying something new without worrying about how it will turn out.

It’s about releasing the pressure to be perfect and allowing yourself the freedom to play.

In the end, life is too short to take everything so seriously. Playfulness isn’t just for kids—it’s a lifelong practice that keeps us connected to our true selves. So this week, I encourage you to embrace your inner child. Whether it’s dancing in your kitchen, doodling during a meeting, or simply allowing yourself a little more lightness in your day—let play lead the way.

Because, wherever we go, and whatever happens along the way, there’s always room for a little bit of play. And maybe, just maybe, that’s where the real magic happens.

Here’s to finding joy, wonder, and play in the everyday moments.

Happy Thriving Thursday!