Remembering my Playfulness...

This weekend I attended a Project Joy Retreat (www.projectjoy.com). This is a training/retreat that teaches adults working with children how to use intentional play in our work with them. I returned from my vacation to see my Grandma and within a few days was back in the thick of the stresses I am dealing with... at work and at home.

I was looking forward to this retreat because I have done smaller workshops with folks from Project Joy last year and was looking forward to attending the retreat since then. I almost cancel going because of things going on at work and home that have left me feeling so drained. I got there late, but Spirit guided me in spite of myself just like my trip to Alabama (see last post). I am so grateful that I went.

My most joyful moments are when I am laughing and playing... and I had a weekend filled with laughter and play. I needed to just shake off the adult stresses and there were activities that really brought me back to joyful memories and I was able to escape in the fun of play. Some highlights:

• The game "Bust-A-Groove"... I moonwalked to Billy Jean in a room full of adults... and I was at "work". That was so exhilarating.
• Remembering that I need to take care of myself. One session we developed our Joy Plan/Self care Plan.
• There was another session where we remembered a moment in our childhood when we had joy and playfulness. I remembered my neighborhood and friends... how carefree we felt when we would go outside... riding I bikes, playing in the park, and letting our imagination take us so many places. Reflecting on those memories and listening to others share their memories that then reminded me of even more memories.

This retreat gave me the space to release a lot of energy thru play, and I also had Saturday evening to just relax away from home.

I am grateful...

• For having the opportunity to attend the Project Joy Retreat. It was what I needed and I left rejuvenated.
• That I can still play. Even with weight of some of the things going on in my life... I still have joy. I still seek laughter and play.
• The 25th Anniversary Release of Michael Jackson's Thriller album. I have so many joyful memories of dancing and singing with my friends and family... as a child and as an adult. I have been known to turn on MJ with my sons... singing and dancing. My sons pretend like I am driving them crazy, but I can tell they enjoy seeing me so playful and happy.
  
• For Bishop. You're the bestest! Your perspective helps me more than I think I share outloud (I move past the hearing stage most of the time...lol). Thank you for the laughs, and the support. This weekend reminded me of how much joy and playfulness is a part of our relationship.
  
• For Lemonade Shortbread Girl Scout cookies. I bought my second box of these cookies this weekend... yummy!

Well I need to go to sleep! Getting more sleep is a part of my Joy Plan.

I got Joy Joy Joy...
WonderWoman