What Fun…

Young’uns are as solemn as a cathedral imposing and an attempt to be stately.  Games are no longer played unless there is a trophy attached.

How I would like to let loose Pop Glossop and his ilk of mindlessness over the merchants of mindfulness. 

In moments of deep deluge, I wonder if we even remember what fun is…

Ah, fun! That delightful concoction of amusement and merriment, often bubbling up through playful, boisterous actions and speech. One might say it’s the champagne of human experience, effervescent and unpredictable. But, as any gentleman knows, fun is a slippery eel, a tricky blighter to pin down.

Consider our old chum, the concept of fun. Historically, it’s a bit of an etymological mystery, perhaps tracing back to Middle English with the words fonne (fool) and fonnen (the one fooling the other). Quite fitting, really, for fun often feels like a bit of foolery, a light-hearted jest that dances on the edge of seriousness. This whimsical nature is well captured in the pages of The History of Tom Jones, a Foundling by Henry Fielding, where fun steers the narrative away from tragedy and towards the realm of the comical.

Expressions like “Have fun!” and “That was fun!” underscore the elusive and personal nature of fun. It’s a fleeting sprite, darting in and out of our lives, leaving behind a trail of pleasant memories and a sense of unpredictability. Fun, in its purest form, isn’t something to be taken too seriously. It’s about letting go, embracing the moment, and perhaps, indulging in a bit of self-deprecation.

Yet, fun isn’t always an easy guest to entertain. Take sports, for instance. The jolly good fun of a leisurely surf can turn into a competitive grind the moment one starts eyeing the trophy. Fun evaporates, leaving behind the dry, dusty taste of ambition.

Ah, but what of happiness? A cousin of fun, perhaps, but a more settled, reflective chap. Happiness often lingers in the aftermath of fun, sparked by specific events and tinged with emotions like gratitude and contentment. Joy, on the other hand, is a more lasting state of contentment, a reliable old friend who sticks around even when the party’s over.

But barriers to fun are as plentiful as mischief in a schoolboy’s day. There’s the old fear of judgment, that nagging worry about what others might think. Dr. Seuss, in his infinite wisdom, put it best: “Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don’t matter and those who matter don’t mind.” Spot on, Seuss old bean.

And then there’s the fallacy of finance, the mistaken belief that fun must come with a price tag. Nonsense! The best things in life are often free – a sunny day, a good laugh with friends, or a spontaneous adventure. Time, too, is a sneaky bugger, always claiming there’s none to spare for fun. But fun, dear reader, is found in the little moments, the spontaneous escapades that defy the rigidity of schedules.

Planning? Bah! The most delightful fun often arises unplanned, a spontaneous gift from the universe. And while we’re at it, let’s dispel the notion that fun requires perfect conditions. Life’s imperfections often provide the most amusing moments, if we’re willing to embrace them.

Expecting grand events to provide fun? Rubbish. Everyday fun doesn’t need fireworks or parades. It’s in the small, simple moments – a wry joke, a shared smile, a quiet hobby. And if you find yourself bored, remember: life is what you make of it. Create opportunities for fun, seek out the excitement, and don’t hesitate to seek help if boredom stems from something deeper, like depression or ADHD.

Lastly, a nod to the modern age – social and social media conditioning. Society has a funny way of dictating how we should have fun, pressuring us to conform to its norms. Social media, with its curated perfection, often creates unrealistic expectations, leaving us feeling inadequate. But real fun doesn’t need validation from likes or comments. Authentic enjoyment comes from genuine experiences, not from how they are perceived online.

So, let us cultivate a balance. Embrace the spontaneity of fun, the reflective joy of happiness, and the lasting contentment of joy. Make time for fun, find joy in the simple things, be a human and stand up for your right to play a prank… and never let societal pressures dictate your happiness. For in the end, fun is what you make it, a delightful romp through the gardens of life.

Off you go to Bally-ho and the rest while I go for a slump in the sand dunes.

#EmbraceFun #FindJoy  #LiveInTheMoment  #MindfulnessVsMindlessness  #SpontaneousFun #AuthenticHappiness #SimplePleasures #PlayfulLiving  #EverydayJoy #UnplannedAdventures #LifeBalance #BeYourself #EnjoyTheLittleThings #CreateYourOwnFun  #FindYourHappy