https://joyful2beeblogs.com/2025/10/20
As children, we played naturally. We used our imaginations and pretended to be cowboys, cowgirls, astronauts, doctors, nurses, mothers, and fathers, or whatever tickled our fancies. We could use a stick and pretend it was a tool, if we were handymen or women. The only things that stopped our pretending was the weather, our parents, school, supper, or bedtime.
Now we are adults, who are faced with the stressors of work, finances, in-laws, mortgages, child care, or home repairs. We wonder how we will ever pay for the broken refrigerator or furnace. The problems of adulthood and / or parenthood can weigh heavily on us as adults.
As children, our biggest problems were doing what our parents told us to do, making good grades in school, and finding friends to play with. Then as we got older, we worried about our education, careers, our futures, marriage and children.
Now what do we do to relax and enjoy life, away from the stressors in our lives? We come home tired and hungry, wanting supper. Then we sit and watch the television, play games, call a family member to talk with, or take a quick nap. Are these the only things we enjoy? Is this all there is?
No, we can enjoy other activities, if we allow ourselves a bit of fun or better still, if we keep our minds open to simple joys, observations, quiet times alone with nature, or humorous interactions with other people or our beloved dog or cat. Having a sense of humor can contribute to playful situations.
There is always the joy of interacting with our pets. Cats and dogs can be quite interactive. They may, if given the proper atmosphere of love, training and play, become truly wonderful companions. Sometimes just watching them sleep or play can help us join in and nap or play with them.
I also found that playfulness and/or sense of humor is a delightful trait that helps keep our hearts and minds young and open to joy and more pleasure. For instance: I talk to my cat all the time. She listens even though she may or may not understand everything I am saying. She gives me her attention while I am talking and then closes her eyes for a nap.
Keeping an inner child alive in ourselves, makes it easier to forget stress or even fatigue, sometimes. Watch children at play and see how freely they laugh at little things.

I totally agree. My Susy even talks back. I also like to go on the Swings in the park, when available.
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Excellent idea! Swinging is fun and good exercise too. Thanks!
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I assume Susy is a cat? She sounds like a fun one. I love dogs and cats, but for my lifestyle, age, and time, an indoor cat is best for me. My Norie is a lot of fun and interesting. I know you must love your Susy. Thanks for commenting, Catsandcoffee.
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Yes, I actually have 3 cats. Susy is my Calico. She’s 9 but don’t tell her that. I call her my Baby and she totally acts like one.
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That’s great! I love my black cat, Norie. She is 15 years old now but doing well. I only have her. Cats are a wonderful addition to our lives.
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Definitely. My oldest just turned 12
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Embracing the inner child is so important! Your insights remind us to find joy in simple moments.
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Thank you, Moumita. It keeps us mentally, emotionally and even spiritually healthy. Children seem to know this better than many adults. Thank you for commenting.
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I play games, go to movies, walk in the parks, play in the water …
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I play with my cat, visit condo neighbors or my family or two best friends. More normally, I play games like jigsaw puzzles, sudoku, spider or pyramid solitaire on my tablet. Then there are always blog posts to write.
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Right!
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When we were still in South Africa we had a swimming pool and I could spend hours playing in the water, swishing about like a fish or mermaid 😂
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I love to swim and exercise in the water.
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❤️
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Lovely blog! I enjoyed thinking about ‘play’ as an adult… I find creativity gives me a chance to play as well as certain fun exercises 😃😃
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Thank you, Morag! Delighted that you enjoyed this one. Have a wonderful day!
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Thank you, you too xx
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