Did you know that the average 4-year-old laughs 300 times a day, and that the average 40-year-old laughs that same amount in 2.5 MONTHS??

What?!

What happens to us as we grow up? Why do we stop laughing, enjoying, playing?

Why and when do we become so serious?

Listen, I know we have to get serious about our work. I’ve invested decades of time and energy into building my career and I don’t regret it for a second.

We also have to be serious as parents. I am raising two teenagers and a tween smack in the middle of New York City, so trust me, I know how and why to get serious.

But taking life too seriously is a mistake.

Studies show that not laughing and playing can ultimately cost you your health, creativity and positive relationship-building.

There’s so much social reinforcement for being buttoned-up and “grown up” all of the time.

Exhaustion has become a status symbol.

Self-worth is easily confused with net worth.

But is this really what you want for your one precious life?

Do you laugh enough?

Do you ever choose the fun and risky option? Or always the safe bet?

Do you give time to tasks and everyone around you while the things that make you truly happy fall to the cutting room floor?

Working out, meeting a friend spontaneously, taking a trip just because, trying out a new recipe...

What makes you tick? What brings you joy? Do you do enough of it?

Do you hear yourself saying in your own mind, “act your age!” because someone, somewhere along the way told you to grow up, as fun and adventure were relegated to someone else?

Why not you?

If you are exhausted and overwhelmed, ask yourself how you can pause your daily treadmill and find more moments of lightness and laughter.

Thousands of people have taken my play quiz and I keep hearing the same thing… I know when I lose track of time and I know when I’m in flow, I just don’t make enough time for those activities.

It can be hard to carve out time for yourself!!

But play is essential to your well-being.

Finding laughter and lightness each day may be the most important decision you make. If you feel selfish about it, try sharing the fun with your friends, family or kids.

Remember that one day you won’t have any more time to do the thing you don’t have time for...

So do it now. Stop reading this email, finish up your work, make sure your kids are okay, then go let down your proverbial hair and play.

With fierce love,
Alison