Dropping the struggle. Creating ease.

I’m late submitting my summer entry for Audacious Woman, which I feel very crummy about, and I sincerely apologize. However, my tardiness also allows me to share some things I’ve ACTUALLY DONE this summer to drop the struggle and create some ease in my life.  This is not hopeful thinking or a “plan” - I’ve done it. So what did I commit to this summer?  Having FUN!  Not just GNO (Girl’s Night Out) fun. I’ve been engaging in truly silly, childish fun…and still getting all (well, most) of my work done.

My silly, childish summer started with winning a hula hoop contest at the office I work at back in May. Yes, I am very lucky to have a client who does such things to kick off National Fitness Week, or whatever it was. I haven’t had a hula hoop around these hips since, well, since I didn’t really have hips. Thirty-plus years, I’m guessing. 

I honestly surprised myself that “I still had it!” and I received such a great reaction from my colleagues whom I unabashedly swirled by. One after another, their hoops fell to the ground. Mine miraculously kept going. A few close calls, but my hips instinctively kicked into action each time.  That got me thinking. What else did I love doing as a kid and for really no good reason (except that I was older) left behind?

The next weekend my boyfriend and I took a Frisbee and paddle ball game to the beach. That’s now become a Saturday morning ritual (when “adult commitments” don’t interfere!).  Then, my sister Laura and two of her friends came from St. Louis to visit me in Florida. We were at the opening of the new Harry Potter Park at Universal Orlando and had the time of our lives. Laura and I were mentally and emotionally transported back to a simpler time. Our biggest concern was how many times we could ride our favorite roller coaster at the end of the night, when there is no line. There is no better feeling than running around a theme park with a ridiculously giddy look on your face alongside someone you grew up with and love so dearly.

My 20 year-old Godson is coming to visit soon.  God only knows what’s in store for me then! But I promise to be open, young-hearted and free to express my personal sense of FUN.

It’s not too late. Not only is there still more summer left, there is a whole life left to incorporate silly, childish, good-hearted fun on a regular basis. The feeling of magic isn’t just for the wizarding characters of Harry Potter’s world.  So go on Muggles (non-magic folks). Reclaim your silly, fun side.

Audacious Woman is brought to you by Lisa Gruenloh