Bring Some SiLlInEsS Into Your Life

When I walk into work every day, there is a gentleman seated at the front desk. In these Covid times, a plexiglass shield has also been erected around it. Yesterday was a day like any other. Half awake, I walked into my work building and pressed the elevator button. As I waited for the elevator to come down to the first floor, I notice the gentleman sinking down behind his desk and then popping back up on purpose. I started cracking up. It was a great start to the morning. Instead of dreading all the work I had to do, I had a brief laugh and respite from any worries I was thinking about. It helped me to be present in the moment and just enjoy the little things.

So I wonder — why don’t more people add a bit of silliness into their lives? I’m not talking about watching I Love Lucy or a sketch from the Carol Burnett show (both of which are fantastic options though). Instead I am talking about little things that may not be considered “dignified” but sure are a heck a lot of fun. Example include:

1. Jumping in puddles. Okay if you are wearing a suit, I get not jumping in puddles. But say it’s the summer and you are wearing flip flops, I say jump away. Bonus points if you recreate the scene from Singin’ In the Rain.
2. Being in a park and kicking up leaves. Even better if you gather the leaves and fall in them. Now don’t be that person who is like, “yay, let me ruin this nice pile of leaves you have going on here.” But if there are just random leaves on the sidewalk, enjoy kicking them up and seeing them…