Last weekend I had the pleasure of exploring Victoria’s Tiny Tea House http://www.lavender-n-lace.com/index.htm in Eaton, Colorado with my friend Sarah.

Tea houses always take me  away to another world. A civilized, relaxing world,  where good company, good manners, and a bit of whimsy accompany the tea and scones.

When Sarah and I entered the house I was immediately struck by the decor. It was both elegant and inviting. As I looked around we noticed  a group of women,all of whom were all wearing hats. Sarah and I commented on how it would be fun to wear hats, maybe gloves, and dress the part of having tea. While we were talking, our server greeted us and asked us if we wanted to go to the ” hat room” and chose hats to wear for our tea. I am not exactly sure, but I think I giggled out loud. I know I giggled on the inside. Not a sophisticated adult giggle; but more like the free, uninhabited  giggle of a 10-year-old girl.

The tea, lunch, and company were wonderful all the way around. As the day went on I kept thinking about how playful and whimsical the experience seemed.

Working with children everyday you would think that I play all of the time, and in some ways I do. However, when I am teaching I am also an educator, supervisor, role model, and disciplinarian. No matter how much fun I am having, the adult, serious Laura needs to be present.  I do have a lot of fun both at work and outside of work; after all that is what The Next 50 Years is all about, but I noticed that one thing I could use more of in my day is playfulness.

Playfulness is something that gets put on the back burner as we get older but I believe being playful has many psychological advantages by helping to elevate stress and increasing joy. So, here is a list of things I am going to try to incorporate into my day a little more often than I am at the present moment.

Laura’s Playfulness List:

• Dance around the house to my favorite songs
• Make up songs to sing as I work
• Pretend my home really is my castle
• Skip ( This is a real mood lifter. I swear if you try it, you will giggle!)
• Read children’s books
• Watch birds, bugs, squirrels, butterflies, and just observe nature in general
• Practice hand stands against my wall
• Watch more Disney, Charlie Brown, and Claymation holiday specials, and less stress inducing dramas
•  Play Frisbee  and maybe even Hula Hoop in the spring

What would be on your list to be more playful? I would like to hear from you.

Until next time, may you experience an unexpected giggle and have some playfulness in your day!

Laura