Staff Writer - Katrin Callender
For years I laughed at Kelwyn Hutcheon’s How I Wish I were a Child. I never imagined that I would one day utter the same lament. Among the sites of the holiday season was a sea of children at events, or at toy stores and supermarkets, with tired adults in tow, laden with bags. Easter break is similar with pieces in the news and magazine features focused on their very creative bonnets. When schools close in July, the image is revisited once more. Children, running about and playing at every venue imaginable; then vacation specials are promoted by way of all media channels, followed by back-to-school specials.
Now, don’t get me wrong, I don’t want a do-over. Growing up was entirely too stressful for me to want to relive it. More importantly, every day I live is a reminder that I’ve learned so much and I can’t easily give that up; nor do I wish to. Yet I miss the pleasures of childhood. I miss having fewer responsibilities, I miss the freedom to play, for hours without being judged or deemed undependable. Who says we cannot play and still fulfill our duties? Indeed, there are many individuals who will only produce their best work if they have had the opportunity to enjoy some form of recreation. And this is not procrastination or laziness, but merely fact for them. They are energized, thus creative, because of the stimulation these activities afford. They cannot simply sleep; they must truly step outside their comfort zone or, in some cases, leave their physical environment.
Adults can have fun playing too photo credits dipity.com
We played at home and in public spaces and we won smiles from everyone who saw. Other children joined in and adults reminisced, just as we do now when we see children at play. Why is it a sad recollection though? Why is there the sense that our lives as they are, are final- and they cannot include playtime. Why do we long for it when we can just decide to incorporate it into our lives once again? True, our present responsibilities may not permit play on the scale we once knew. However, we need to permit ourselves some time to relax and enjoy life and play, colour, or spin till we get dizzy and fall down.
Isn’t it ironic that we spent our childhoods learning everything we would need to know to successfully function within society as adults, but as adults we no longer engage in the activities that brought us the most joy? I resolve to play as often as I choose and without wondering what others think.
