Fun is defined as “enjoyment, amusement or lighthearted pleasure.” (Dictionary.com)  The definition should include that fun is subjective.

As I look at the tasks given in these promptings, especially the tasks of running.  I cringe.  I “wog” (that’s walking and jogging), but I have NEVER been a fan of running.  But for others, running is life.  It is challenging, and sometimes even social, it is multi-sensory as their bodies move and their senses take in the environment around them.  In fact, running may also be an “exploration.”  Perhaps the runner is seeking a new path or a route with visual stimulation or physical stimulation such as hills or varied terrain.

Yes, the runner is having their fun…but it’s not my fun.

To examine my fun more closely, I would definitely have to choose different activities. And, I will examine them again the dimensions of Aesthetics, Audio-Visual, Surprise, Excitement, Challenge, Sense of Accomplishment, Music, Puzzle, Narrative, Ability to be Physically Manipulated, Vicarious Experience, Socialization (some), Competition, Exploration, Feedback, Novelty (16 points)

Without further ado, my four activities would be:

• Meditation- Audio-Visual; Interactive; Music; Vicarious Experience

• Strenuous physical activity (but not running-smile)- Novelty; Excitement; Sense of Accomplishment; Challenge; Physical Manipulation; Narrative–as I write the story of my health journey.

• Journaling- Audio-Visual, Surprise, Sense of Accomplishment, Narrative,

• Creating- Audio-Visual; Surprise (especially when it comes from a moment of meditation); Exploration

Why are these activities are meaningful to me…and fun!?!?!  Because in all of them, I am allowed to be my authentic self.  I am given the mandate of showing up without pretense or preconceived notions of what something has to be or even what it is.  Sometimes, I have no idea what my workout will look like until I start doing it.  Sometimes I have no idea how meditating will shift y day from blah to ahhhhhhhhhhh!

What’s most fun to me is not only the novelty of my fun, but the indigenous connections to exploration and narrative.  This is why I don’t allow obligatory tasks and connections to dominate my “adulting,” because I need the fun of my desired tasks and connections to keep me moving forward–progressing, and exceeding expectations.

Fun is fuel.

Bores and chores are to be expected, but they are not required to be the norm.  Peace and joy are the makings of a life by design, allow me to encourage you to craft your own.