Practically every client I work with – no matter what they come to coaching for – wants to have more fun.
“What’s fun for you?” I ask.
This question is always met with the response, “I don’t know!”
So I give the assignment I’ve written about in a previous article about fun as a means to success. I invite my clients to list 50 fun things.
A friend and colleague tried to do this, but got stuck. She realized that the word ‘fun’ wasn’t right, and that the notion of ‘joy’ was better for her. She didn’t like the concept of fun as something that happened on an episodic basis, and that she wanted joy in every moment.
I love that perspective, and for me the word fun and joy are fairly interchangeable. I ask clients to write down 50 things because after the first 10 big fun items – vacation, special events, unusual activities – you’re going to have to dig deep into the mundane to find fun. And fun and joy should be found in our work, our parenting and our free time.
I did a spread in my journal of what’s fun for me now. It’s not 50 items, but when I put ‘looking at dogs’ I realized how much joy and fun this simple, easy-to-experience thing brings me.
I’m still learning how to best show my art, which is also fun. Here are the two pages from my recent fun spread:
What about you? What’s fun for you now?
Fun is more fun when shared…don’t hoard this fun inspiration! Send to friends or share below.
Judy Reeves says
January 4, 2013 at 10:35 amHi Cynthia,
Me, too: more fun. Thanks for the idea of listing 50 after the first Big Ten. I’ll look forward to making this list. Your art journal page inspires my own. By the way, yesterday in asking Siri to take a note (on my iPhone) I used the word “joyous.” Siri translated it in writing to “Joy yes.” I couldn’t agree more. Happy new year!
Cynthia Morris says
January 5, 2013 at 11:39 amJudy,
I’m glad this inspires you! I’m always wondering how this kind of art journaling might be useful for writers or artists of other media.
I love the ‘mistake’ Siri made! Joy yes! All around!
Thanks for visiting and commenting; your perspective is always interesting to me.
Barbara Techel says
January 4, 2013 at 10:50 amooo, loved this post! I like using the word joy also. It’s my favorite word.
I also happen to love to look at dogs (surprise, huh?)– LOL!
But I love what happens to my body and heart when I see a dog though hard to describe in words for me… but my whole body just seems to melt. In fact, a truck pulled in front of me today and at first I got upset. Then as we were driving down the road I noticed there was a German Shepherd sitting in the front. It was so fun watching his ears tweak back and forth as he watched the world go by him. I couldn’t stop smiling and then appreciated the truck pulling out in front of me. 🙂
Cynthia Morris says
January 5, 2013 at 11:40 amBarb –
This distinction between words is the kind of thing I do with my clients. It’s really important to have the words that express the true essence. Shifting words can shift an entire experience.
That German Shepard in the truck story is great. I TOTALLY love seeing dogs in cars. It can be dangerous because I want to look at them and not at the road in front of me.
I think dogs are such a big part of bringing lightness and joy and I’m grateful for them. Glad you are too!
Renee says
January 5, 2013 at 11:03 amI think I prefer the word “joy”, too. I also find looking at dogs joyful, playing and petting my own dog, as well as seeing a baby anything, really, lol. I find great joy in taking photographs, fleshing out characters, crisp sunny days, nature, chocolate and so much more. Thank you for this post!
Cynthia Morris says
January 5, 2013 at 11:42 amRenee,
There’s something delightful and inspiring about an infant anything, isn’t there? The cute factor plays a big part.
I love seeing some of your joy producers! I think this exercise can be really a simple but effective way to feel more joy in our lives on a daily basis, so thanks for playing along!