Unlocking Your Purpose: The Essential Role of Play in Life and Learning

Can you really unlock purpose, meaning and fulfillment in your life through something as simple as playing?!Society has tried to tell us that playing is just for kids. I’m here to remind you that it’s not. We were all once kids who would play for hours, and there is always a part of us that misses those moments & experiences. Just because we are in midlife does not mean that we can’t find joy in playing once again!When I was a kid, I remember feeling FREE. I felt light. I felt I was invincible. I was in my element, feeling joyful, content, and confident. I wanted to get back to this feeling again, which is why I created the Moms Who Dare space. By daring and doing, we find more playfulness, light, and freedom in our days. We may not be able to go back in time, but we can change how we perceive play as adults to help us find more purpose and meaning!3 Benefits of PlayingBenefit #1: Playing helps you explore passions.  Through play, it's common and often possible to stumble upon activities that bring us joy and fulfillment. We can gradually discover our passions and gain insights into what gives our lives meaning, Benefit #2: It helps foster self discovery. When we play, we let go of our inhibitions and societal expectations, allowing our true selves to emerge.  This authenticity enables us to better understand our values, strengths, and aspirations, ultimately leading us toward a clearer sense of purpose.Benefit #3: Play promotes personal growth.  And this is where daring came from. Play often involves overcoming challenges and pushing us beyond our comfort zones. These experiences help us develop resilience, perseverance and other valuable life skills  as we navigate obstacles and achieve personal milestones through play.Your Dare for the WeekYour dare ❤️ this week is to dare to play. Start with a list.Have you ever wanted to learn a new game? Maybe you've wanted to take a class.  Maybe you have this innate artistic calling, this urge that I want to draw, I want to paint, I want to do pottery. Write a list of everything that you've ever liked doing and ever thought about doing, without judgment. Don't overthink it, just make a list. Then look at the list, And start daring to try everything on your list.  Here are some simple ways to bring PlayBlack back into your life. The next time you're driving and you drive by that neighborhood playground in your area, don't drive by it. Turn into the parking lot and go sit on the swings and swing.Remember, play serves as a catalyst of self discovery and personal growth,  enabling us to uncover our passions, strengths, and values, and ultimately leading us towards a fulfilling and purpose driven life.Resources Referenced in the EpisodeEpisode 52 of Beyond Empty Nest : I’m Not Smart - Transforming Self-Talk for EmpowermentGrab  30 Days of Doable Dares🤗  Who Double Dare Membership Community & Jodi  HEREA vibrant community of midlife women and moms who connect, learn, grow, and enjoy meaningful experiences together. With a blend of virtual and in-person events, we offer a sense of belonging no matter where you are. Find your place here!Send me a quick note/message- what stood out in this episode! DISCLAIMER: The commentary and opinions available on this podcast are for informational and entertainment purposes only and not for the purpose of providing medical, physical, or psychological advice. You should contact a trained medical professional before making any significant changes to your health and wellness routine and with respect to any particular issue or problem.