Play is the work of childhood. And at its best, work is the play of adulthood. That’s today’s Thought of the Day, and if you’re anything like me, you read that and immediately thought: I would like to have a word with whoever promised adulthood would be fun.
But what if it could be?
Let’s dig in. (Not literally. I already did enough yard work this week.)
Thought of the Day: When Work Feels Like Play
“Play is the work of childhood. And at its best, work is the play of adulthood.”
Kids don’t play to relax. They play to grow, to figure things out, to test limits. It’s how they work. And when adults say, “I wish I had that kind of energy,” what we’re really wishing for is that kind of purpose-driven fun.
When adults hit their stride—when they’re creating, building, connecting—it doesn’t feel like punching the clock. It feels like play with a paycheck. If you’ve ever been in flow doing something you love, you know the difference.
If your work never feels like play, maybe the real job is finding work that lets you play your way into purpose.
Related post: Life Finds a Way – What Jurassic Park Taught Me About Grit
Question of the Day: What Activity Do You Dread Each Spring?
Every season has its villains. In Spring, mine wear green. Weeds, pollen, allergies, and that one patch of grass that refuses to grow no matter how much I coax it.
So I ask you:
What activity do you dread doing each Spring?
Is it swapping out the storm windows? Cleaning out the garage? Replacing the batteries in the smoke detectors like a responsible adult who follows daylight saving reminders?
For me, it’s heading into storage to break out all the spring and summer toys and clothes. The arrival of Spring also brings with it the anticipation of Summer and an increase in the activity which I hate the most laundry. I love that my kids enjoy the water and swimming, but for the love of everything, I hate all the towels and swim suits.
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Why We Shouldn’t Run From Dread
Sometimes the thing we dread doing is the exact thing that gets us into a better mental state once we start. Maybe Spring isn’t just about rebirth—it’s about re-engagement.
Lean into the dread. It might just turn into delight.
And if it doesn’t, at least your clothes are fresh.
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Let’s Talk About It
What do you dread doing each Spring?
And has any job in your life ever felt like pure play?
Drop a comment below—I read every one. (Well, not every one. But the funny ones? Definitely.)
While you’re here, check out more Thought of the Day and Question of the Day posts to keep your brain buzzing.
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