V.S. Quinnell

I think sometimes as we get older and start adulting. We forget the importance of play or maybe we look down on it, but we should all continue to play.

I asked BigDog if he played and he says, “Oh yeah, I play with my planes.”Which I knew to be true because I can see the excitement in his eyes when he talks about planes. Watching him work on them and even fly, yup his playing.

When I was younger, I don’t really remember playing as a young girl. But I have fond memories as a 12–13-year-old playing flag football and baseball with my brothers and neighborhood kids. Many memories in front of our home on Cabana Avenue, what fun.

Then at about 14 I started working and bought myself a yellow Huffy 10 speed bike and now I was out and about, I am sure that was a form of play as well.

Because riding that bike gave me a sense of freedom, with the wind hitting my face that even to this day I still enjoy.

The fact is all mammals need play. From lions, horses, bears and of course our dogs. Maybe they know something we don’t know and maybe we can take a lesson from these creatures.

We really learn so much from play. As I get older I have come to believe that we should have playtime every day.

When we play it can expand our curiosity, creativity and learn something about ourselves at the same time. We should cultivate that inner child in us all, because when we do it’s a joyful experience. And isn’t that what we all want to experience a sense of joy in our life.

So, if you have not started get out and play find what brings you joy and remember to play out loud.