There’s something magical about being a kid. Maybe it was the way puddles looked like tiny lakes calling your name after a rain shower, or how dinosaurs were the coolest thing on earth. Even now, as adults, those moments still sparkle in our memories, especially when we have grandchildren. I realized that this weekend as I was playing with my grandson Jack. I hadn’t been feeling up to par when I arrived, and he turned it all around, reminding me that life doesn’t have to be all seriousness and writing (or videoing) schedules. It made me think that somewhere along the way, we (or at least I) trade that wonder for to-do lists, responsibilities, and adulting routines. What if we could reclaim a bit of that fun that we had as kids? Not in a childish way, but in a joyful adult way. In a way that lightens our hearts, makes us laugh again (you know, that goofy belly laugh), etc.
This week’s ritual is all about playfulness. It’s about splashing in puddles without worrying who’s watching. It’s about roaring like a T-rex with your grandchildren. It’s about cuddling up with that dinosaur toy wearing PJs adorned in a Tyrannosaurus rex that still makes our heart sing. And yes, it includes a little help to keep all these precious memories sharp and sweet for years to come.
Because being playful isn’t JUST fun, it’s also nourishing for the brain and soulful for the heart. When we engage all our senses just PLAYING, when we laugh, move, and use our imagination again. We create rich memories and strengthen our neural connections. Playfulness is not just fun. It’s functional.
So, grab your inner child by the hand. Let’s make space for wide-eyed wonder and lots of giggles. Let’s play.
Jump, Splash, Build a Snowman
Do you remember what that used to feel like? I do. There is something quietly magical about splashing in puddles, building a lopsided snowman, or letting yourself get a little muddy as an adult. It pulls you out of your head and drops you right back into your body, where joy is simple, and laughter comes easily. Playing outside reminds us that life is meant to be experienced, not just managed, and that wonder does not have an expiration date. Those small, playful moments reconnect us to curiosity, movement, and a version of ourselves that still knows how to have fun for no reason at all.
What I Do: A change in the weather is my prompt to get out and have fun. It might be simple and small, like putting on my rain boots and splashing through puddles on my morning walk.
What I Use: I recently got a pair of Totes boots that work for rain and snow. Yes, I live in Florida, but I’ve been spending time with family and friends up north this season. I can splash in puddles down here or stay warm and build a snowman when I’m up in Rhode Island. My feet stay warm and dry, and I can last a whole lot longer playing outside. These have a waterproof rubber outsole that is durable for almost any activity. These winter boots feature a zipper for easy on and off, a water-resistant outer shell, and a warm thermolite lining. I just tuck my jeans in, and I’m ready to JUMP, build, or slide down that hill on a sled with my grandson.
Playing Dress Up
Playing dress-up as an adult is a permission slip to step out of routine and into imagination, whether that means channeling your inner 1960s style icon or pulling on a dinosaur hoodie to match your grandchild. Clothes become more than something we wear; they turn into a bridge between generations and a reminder that self-expression should always be fun. When we let ourselves play with fashion or costumes, we loosen the grip of expectations and seriousness. In those moments, we are not just dressing up; we are showing the people we love that joy, creativity, and connection never go out of style. FYI, my friend Rachel knows this best and always seems to send me gifts of silly clothes (that I wear proudly).
What I Do: My friend Sandy once bought me an Eiffel Tower pocketbook. It’s oversized and silly and FUN TO WEAR and OUI, OUI, you’ll catch me wearing it with my striped shirts (and maybe a beret for pretending I’m in France).
What I Use: The other day I brought over a couple of pair of ROAR short-sleeve PJs adorned with Jack’s favorite dinos from Kyte Baby for when we play dinosaurs together. I will chase him ROARING like a T-Rex while he runs around the house looking like a cute little toddler dino himself. These are so soft and comfortable that I’ve caught him wearing the PJ tops as a t-shirt during the day!!!
Memories
If you’ve been following me for any time, you know that I’ve been concerned with memory issues. I even had a PET scan this year to check for plaque on my brain since there’s a history of Alzheimer’s in the family. I have epilepsy, and while my seizures seem to be completely under control, my memory wasn’t. Those memories I had as a child….I don’t want them to fade away. I want to be able to share them with my grandson as he grows. I watch my diet, do puzzles, and all of the things that my neurologist suggests.
My Tip: Do puzzles, eat right, drink plenty of water, and MOVE!! Those puddles you splashed in are exercise not just for your body but for your mind. Make sure you’re getting enough sleep (I can’t say this enough times). Check in with your doctor if you’re concerned.
What I Use. I take a high-quality memory support supplement every morning with my breakfast. I use Neuriva 3D. It is their newest formula, and it actually helps short-term, long-term, and working memory. I checked with my neurologist first to make sure it was okay to take (always check with your doctor before taking supplements, especially if you’re on medication). Since I began taking it, I’ve noticed a big difference. I’m starting to be able to retrieve those memories (you know, the ones that are right at the tip of the tongue kind that you struggle with), and my short-term memory has gotten so much better. I was having a difficult time recalling words, and for a writer, that could be the end of a career. Thankfully, all of that has improved (and to top it off, it actually has some of the vitamins like B6, B12, and Folic Acid that my neurologist had prescribed for me).
Wrapping It Up
Play isn’t just for children. It’s for everyone who still remembers the fun we had years ago, even if only in a tiny corner of our hearts. The thrill of stomping through puddles, the roar of a beloved dino, the giggles shared with little ones and big ones alike. This week’s ritual invites you to reclaim playfulness, to let laughter bubble up in unexpected moments, and to support your memory so that these precious moments stay vivid and dear for years to come.
Play invites connection. It invites joy. It invites you back into your own life with a little more sparkle. And that, my friend is a ritual worth savoring.
Here’s to splashes, dinosaurs, laughter, memory, and joy. Let’s play.
