Day 69 of 100 days of hope
Rediscover Joy: Why Fun Isn’t Optional — It’s Essential
Hey beautiful friend,
There’s a phrase I keep hearing lately: “life is too serious.”
And honestly? Sometimes I catch myself right in the middle of it. I’m in the rhythm of tasks, problem-solving, doing things for others, checking boxes — and I lose sight of the joy and ease I long for.
Maybe you feel that too. You’re doing your best, leading your family, carrying so much. Yet something in your heart whispers, “This wasn’t meant to feel so heavy.”
Here’s what I want to remind you: fun isn’t frivolous. It’s vital. It’s a sign you’re alive. It’s nourishment for your soul.
Why Fun Matters More Than You Think
I recently immersed myself in the work of two powerful teachers.
Catherine Price writes in The Power of Fun: How to Feel Alive Again:
“True Fun is the confluence of playfulness, connection, and flow. Whenever these three states occur at the same time, we experience True Fun.” Goodreads+1
“We only experience what we pay attention to. Indeed, our attention is the most valuable resource that we have.” Goodreads
In other words: if we’re serious all the time, if we’re locked in autopilot, we’re missing our lives. We’re missing the magic in the ordinary.
And then there’s Kathlyn “Katie” Hendricks (often called Katie Hendricks), whose work highlights movement, presence, body-awareness, and choosing to shift out of stuck energy. In one interview she says:
“When you’re in doubt, just do a fear-melter stance at the beginning of the day … it creates a blueprint for you of spaciousness, and presence, and availability that you can then come back to.” thrive
When we combine what both teachers show us, a beautiful truth emerges: fun isn’t just a dessert, it’s the main course.
For You — The Midlife Mom Who’s Done So Much
Dear midlife mom: you’ve held things together. You’ve made sacrifices. You’ve given. You’ve grown. You’ve seen your kids through transitions. You’re navigating what’s next for you.
This is your call to bring joy back. To twist the script from seriousness to aliveness:
• You can soften your marriage. Light-hearted connection makes space for love.
• Parenting can become easier. Play and presence reset the tone.
• Your self-confidence can return. When you reclaim your joy, you reclaim yourself.
• Resentment can dissolve. Fun opens windows where bitterness hides.
• Hope can open up. Playfulness uncovers dreams you forgot you had.
• Your identity can come alive again. You’re not just “Mom of” or “Empty-Nester”. You’re you.
Simple Ways to Invite More Fun (Yes — You Can Do These)
Here are a few easy actions you can take today, right now, to invite more fun:
Put on some music and dance in the kitchen.
No stage, no perfect moves. Just you + rhythm.Say yes to connection.
A text, a call, a smile at a stranger, a walk with a friend.Do something slightly silly on purpose.
Wear quirky socks. Tell a joke. See what happens when you let your playful side come out.Change your scenery by going somewhere new.
That doesn’t mean a big trip. A new coffee shop. A different route. A little novelty.Follow a spark of creativity for 10 minutes.
Play with colors, write a note, doodle, try something you’d abandoned. Give yourself permission.
What Could Unfold If You Let Fun In?
What if you saw fun as your strength, your super-power?
What if the way you lighten up became the way you lead up?
What might open up when you stop carrying the weight and start living the experience?
You get to decide. Your attention shapes your life. Your joy influences your world. Your fun invites connection, presence, flow. You have permission — and you have power.
If you’d like, I’d love to guide you in discovering your fun magnets (those people, places, activities that naturally bring you play, connection, and flow). We can build a “Fun Map” that fits your life. Want to do that?
With love and hope for you —
Julie Burningham
The Hope Coach