As I get older, I often find myself reflecting on how much I’ve changed, and how much I miss the things that used to bring me pure joy. I’m talking about the simple, spontaneous fun we all had as kids. You know, the kind of fun where the only goal was to smile and laugh, not to be productive or "make it count" in some way. Somewhere along the way, I think I, like many of us, lost touch with that carefree sense of fun. 

Why do we, especially as adults, let fun slip through our fingers?

Maybe it’s the weight of responsibilities. Bills, work, relationships, or even the unspoken pressure to be serious and sophisticated. As adults, we’re expected to be “grown-up,” and for some reason, that seems to come with the idea that fun is reserved for younger years or for “holidays”. We put more energy into checking off to-do lists than into seeking out things that make us smile for no reason at all. 

But here's the thing: fun doesn’t have to be a big, extravagant event. It can be in the small, simple moments - like running around a beach playing frisbee or laughing with friends over a board game you haven’t touched in years. It can be dancing to your favourite song in the kitchen when no one’s watching or spending an afternoon at a local park trying to learn how to skateboard.

There’s something incredibly freeing about indulging in these small acts of joy. It’s almost like we forget, as we grow older, that we deserve to be happy for no reason. Fun doesn’t always need a grand purpose or end goal. The goal is simply to experience joy.

I’ve started trying to consciously bring back a sense of fun into my life. For me, it’s not about trying to relive my youth, but about reminding myself that life isn’t all about work or obligation. As adults, we sometimes get too caught up in the grind, in the idea that we need to be productive at all times.

The hard truth is that taking time to engage in something playful, something just for the sake of joy, actually helps us recharge and be more effective in the long run. 

So, here’s my challenge to myself (and to anyone reading this): Let’s not let our sense of fun fade away with age. Let's actively seek out the moments that make us laugh until our sides hurt, or the moments that feel effortless and lighthearted. Whether it’s trying a new hobby, joining in on a silly game, or just taking a break to do absolutely nothing, let’s make space for the things that bring joy back into our lives.

Here's a reminder that we’re never too old for fun.