Hello, Subscribers. One of my former leaders told us it's not worth doing if it isn’t fun. This forms the core philosophy of my weekly writings and will help you prepare for the week through the power of play to set yourself up for success. As your guide, I believe incorporating play into your daily routine can enhance your creativity, problem-solving skills, and overall well-being, leading to personal and professional growth. I glean insights from my inner child about behaviors and patterns and can help you do the same. Let’s get set up for success.
It’s time for an accountability check-in. I continued to release the things that no longer served me. My therapist challenged me to stick with my decompression time, and I did it once this week. I tried out an audio room game night, and we had a lot of fun. Stacy Poppins returned with another spoonful of sugar, and I made a successful newscast parody. I slept in again this morning, which led me to believe that there are still opportunities for rest and stillness. This is my youngest's final week before school begins and another change. They are starting high school. I’ve also begun incorporating yoga into my life and am proud of my daily consistency. This is a direct result of what I let go of last week. Instead of thinking about what you have to lose, what do you have to gain?
This week, I am using the very first deck I ever received from my mother-in-law. It’s a variation of the Rider-Waite deck where everything is in red scale instead of full color. What are some things to consider for the week ahead? We begin with the Four of Cups. A person with short hair is sitting cross-legged under a tree. Three cups are in a neat line before them, and a floating hand in a cloud offers a fourth. The person’s arms are also crossed, and it doesn’t seem to acknowledge the cup. This card is often associated with apathy. What came to mind was the person not seeing the opportunities in front of them because they are withdrawn. As you reflect on the card, trust what comes to mind for you. All of these pictures are subject to your personal experience and introspection. It’s hot where I live, so I appreciate that the person has shade from the tree. Last week, we discussed running and emptying, and this week may be a time to continue practicing rest. I started some new things last week, such as Social Saturdays and an Audio Game night. I’m learning that you need consistency for people to understand your message. This week, more people participated in Social Saturday, and I expect more people to join the game night and take a load off. I can also interpret the card as some of the people I deal with who are already burned out and overwhelmed to the point that they can’t see why play is so important. The brilliant Dr. Raquel Marting, PhD, showcased the difference between acute and chronic stress with dinosaurs, Legos, and teddy bears. Our coping skills are the first to go when dealing with chronic stressors, which is probably why people are not receptive to play. What opportunities may you be missing due to burnout and overwhelm?
What are the challenges that arise when we shut down? The Five of Cups depicts a sad figure wearing a black cloak. Three cups are overturned before them, and two still stand beside them. They are next to a stream, with a cross bridge to the right and a structure far beyond the stream to the left. Once again, the idea that we are not seeing the opportunities comes up again. This person is focused on their loss. The stream reminds me that nothing is permanent; time keeps moving, and you don’t see the same water twice when you look at running water. The bridge in the distance makes me think of the ability to close the gap and overcome barriers to our success. The person is also standing next to a stream. The cups can be refilled. Perhaps they had a different liquid before, but it’s the same with failure; you learn from it and try something new. Grief and disappointment are a part of life, and we should honor those feelings. I am not advocating that you get over it, but how can you bridge the gap between the former and what’s next? One of my kids is an official adult, and the other is starting high school. Would it be fair to think of them as they once were? What would my relationship be like if I tried to keep them frozen in time, like their graduation photos? Are you living in the past? Are you thinking about what could have been versus what is currently possible? I can focus on the people who are not receptive to play and become demotivated and quit. Or I can recognize that perhaps my messaging is not being interpreted in the way I intended and try again. Our environment also makes a difference. When I post about Pokémon on LinkedIn, very few people relate. My brilliance is appreciated when I share my Pokémon insights in other social circles. It’s like Kenny Rogers sang, “Know when to hold them, know when to fold them, know when to walk away, know when to run.” Where will you focus next week, and what options will that provide?
What can help you in the week again? The Page of Wands depicts a youthful person wearing a hat with a feather in the brim, a colorful tunic and cloak, and a tall staff. The staff has leaves budding, and there are mountains in the distance. Pages are associated with learning new things. The youth appears to be sizing up the staff just as we should be intentional with our energy. We begin with an apathetic figure uninterested in opportunities. Consider what lights a spark in you. What are you looking forward to doing in the week ahead? How would having a playful outlook serve you? I can look at the start of school as a mountain of paperwork and messing up my schedule. Or I can let go of my preconceived notions and embrace this change. I can be thankful that I have a job to complain about, dishes to wash, and clothes to launder. I can treat my schedule like a game of Tetris and block out the important things like rest and play. What have I learned from this past week? For me, the importance of rest and movement. I am already seeing results from the yoga and giving myself more time to process things. I am learning to slow down because I need clues to understand the information I encounter. It would not be me if I did not encourage you to figure out how to incorporate play into your week. Play is not only board and video games. I’ve been playing with lipstick and am surprised how much I love a purple color. My mom is still #TeamRed, and that is okay. I am my own person and can enjoy my preferences. Please take a moment and reflect on the upcoming week. What do you notice about it? What would you like to happen? Are you going to focus on the spilled cups or the remaining opportunities? Do you have a source to refill your cup?
Finally, what is one small step you can take in the week ahead? The Page of Cups depicts another youthful person on the seashore holding a cup with what appears to be a talking fish. The youth has a headdress that resembles flowing water. I invite you to take a moment and imagine the best week ever. What if the talking fish was magic and could grant you a wish? Perhaps the fish in the picture asks for kindness and to be returned to the ocean. What would a win-win situation look like for you? Possibly, this youth is further ahead on the riverbank where we left the grieving person and their spilled cups. The youth’s feet are on solid ground. Remember, we are just using our imagination. You are safe. My wish would be to continue an art piece currently on my desk. I don’t need a magic wand to do it, but I need to prioritize it. How would I reverse engineer my week to make my wish come true? What is your one thing for the week ahead? Who could help you on your journey? What if you refilled your cup and scooped up something wonderful and new? Namaste
Please get in touch with me if you wish to incorporate play into your day to spark creative ideas and get unstuck.
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