-Isms: Views on life in rural America

Was it Shakespeare or Janet Jackson who gave life to the phrase, “Time flies when you’re having fun”? (Actually, the first two words of the phrase should be attributed to the Roman poet, Virgil ... but I digress.)

Think about this: When was the last time you had fun? The uncontrollable belly laugh or a feeling of joy when learning something new or a giddy moment that makes you feel like a kid again.

According to the American Psychological Association, 76% of adults surveyed in 2022 blame stress for poor health habits.

What’s the remedy?

Fun, according to Catherine Price, author of “The Power of Fun,” is essential for happiness and health.

After perusing portions of Price’s book, I started thinking about what fun looks like, what activities are or would be entertaining. I started a list. A few items are things I’m interested in learning more about, a few are cost prohibitive, several look more like bucket list ideas.

Sometimes, snuggling under a warm blanket and watching a good movie is fun. And, on those occasions when Scott controls the remote and we watch some gruesome (and low-budget) horror movie, it’s not so fun.

I miss playing piano. When I taught, it was one of the first things I would do upon arriving home. I would pull out the bench seat and open it, select a piece of sheet music, sit down and play. Sometimes, I’d only play a song once and, some days, I’d pound out “Wonderful Tonight” or “Stairway to Heaven” until I didn’t miss a single chord.

What sounds like fun? For years, I’ve wanted to learn French. Dad took French in high school and college and, every now and then, I would ask him to say something in French. He sounded so eloquent. It’s doubtful I’ll be running off to Paris anytime soon to put this skill to the test, but learning another language sounds fun.

Another activity that sounds fun: painting with watercolors. Truth be told, I don’t have an artistic bone in my body. Words are my canvas, a pen or computer keyboard, the medium. However, Mom was a great artist and I would like to try to boost this creative side and see what I can create.

Unexpectedly, I discovered brewing beer and making cheeses are other activities I would like to try. About three years ago, I bought Scott a brew-at-home kit. It’s sitting in my home office, unused. We’re going to change that.

Other activities that sound fun - traveling, crafting, sewing, reading, visiting museums, dancing, expanding my culinary skills.

Not everything “fun” has to be an activity, another date penciled in the calendar.

Sometimes, just sitting and soaking in the sun is fun. We did that early Sunday afternoon. Scott scooted the deck chairs to the edge of the porch, sunlight in perfect alignment, and we sat for an hour, consuming each precious ray of warmth and Vitamin D.

No distractions, no worries. It was glorious.

Let’s learn to have fun again, to laugh at the small and big things, to try something different, to take chances and experience life. These types of fun will heal the world.