From Swings to Hammocks
It’s my birthday soon… so I asked my mom to send me some pictures.
And she sent two that perfectly capture something I’ve been practicing (unintentionally) since I was a kid: the balance between play and rest.
Exhibit A: Me as a toddler, passed out in a swing, mid-play.
Exhibit B: Me in my 30s, fast asleep in a hammock by the river, mid-adventure.
These snapshots say more than just “I love naps.” They represent the core of what I believe: balance between play and rest is crucial, not just for kids, but for all of us.
As we grow older, we’re often taught to be serious, hustle hard, and grind to achieve our goals. But the truth is, both play and rest are essential for our well-being and creativity, no matter what age we are.
Here’s what these photos can teach us:
Play is where creativity lives. When you give yourself permission to play—whether it’s on a swing or solving a tricky problem at work—you spark curiosity, new ideas, and fresh perspectives.
Rest builds resilience. Play is great, but we all need downtime to refuel. When you take time to rest (yes, even naps), you reset your brain for more productive, focused work.
Balance is key. These photos are a reminder that balancing play, rest, and work is essential to thriving—not just surviving. Whether I’m designing a workshop or taking a break, I try to hold on to this lesson.
As adults, it’s easy to think play and rest are things we should outgrow, but the reality is the exact opposite. They’re the foundation for growth, innovation, and a truly fulfilling life.
What does this have to do with you?
As we dive into the busy months ahead, think about where you can add more play and more rest into your daily routine. These aren’t just habits for kids or vacations or obligatory holiday traditions—they’re vital for keeping us creative, energized, and happy in our day-to-day lives.
I’ll be sharing more about this balance in the coming weeks, plus some exciting updates on my latest workshops to help you and your teams incorporate play and rest for better productivity and well-being.
Until then, I’ll leave you with this:
When was the last time you let yourself play—just for the fun of it? Not for productivity. Not for work. Just for joy.And if you’re feeling bold, hit reply and share—what’s your favorite way to rest when life gets busy?