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I’m not gonna lie- I’ve got some good smack talk when it comes to playing UNO in my house.

When the kids ask me if I’d like to play, I ask them if they’re ready to lose. 😂

Truth be told, they’re pretty good at beating me. I guess they had a good teacher when they were learning how to play the game, huh? ;)

I started thinking about how much I love moments like that and here’s what I came to realize: There’s something about engaging in play – especially as adults – that’s simply good for the soul.

There’s a special kind of magic in ability to suspend the “art of adulting” for a minute and just live light and free, like a child.

I don’t know what happens along the way, but somewhere we pick up this idea that we’re supposed to “grow up,” and in that, there’s this implication that we’re supposed to forsake the “silly” things of a child (like playing).

After becoming a mother, I’d gone many years learning how to facilitate the opportunities for my children to play, but in the quest to be a “good” adult, I lost sight of the beauty of playing for myself.

I’ve always loved softball, but until last year, I hadn’t played for about 12 years.

– Until last year, I lost part of who I was… Who I am.

I forgot so many parts of me that were fun and silly, and even the parts of me that were the best dang cheerleader this side of the Mississippi. (I love to hoot and holler for my team!)

The way I describe it is that it’s been a revival of sorts; – a bringing back to life, bringing out parts of who I am – who I really am – that have been buried along the way.

I don’t know that I ever thought of the importance of play as an adult until I, myself, was revived through it.

[ In this weeks newsletter I’m giving a simple but very effective strategy for learning how to play again. Don't miss it! 
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Just a few months ago I got to meet Marina LeGree, a fellow military spouse (woot woot! 🥳🇺🇸) but also – as I like to say – a representation of the BEST part of Americans (which, to me, is those who show up, reach out, and serve other people- helping to bring out the best in them ~ all motivated out of selfless love).

In fact, this goes along with a recent post I made on the easiest way to get happier, like- right now.

Marina – in my words – has a passion for “play” and a burden for girls and young women who don’t have the opportunities that so many of us take for granted.

Marina founded Ascend Athletics in 2014 with a mission to “empower girls through mountaineering-based leadership training and community service.”

One of the places she and her team have served (with unmatchable resolve, I might add) is Afghanistan.

I really hope you’ll take some time to see the work they’ve done there. In just a click you can pop over to their website to learn more. [Here ya go!]

My deep curiosity to learn more has led to some amazing conversations with Marina – and, bless her heart, she’s taken it all in stride.

When asking her about what it’s really like to work with the girls of Afghanistan, I could sense that this project isn’t one motivated by the empty trophies of things like “making a name” for herself or making as much money as she can.

No – not even close.

Her heart is purely for those who deserve a chance at living fully and freely, but rarely (if ever) have someone come alongside them to show them the possibilities.

Can you imagine being a girl in Afghanistan where – no joke – it’s ILLEGAL to be in public places, like parks, simply because you’re a girl?

Think back to when you were a kid – all the places your imagination took you when you were in the great outdoors. Or the way playing or being in nature was like a salve to a wounded soul…

Can you imagine never having that opportunity?

Not to compare our Country to Afghanistan and what so many people there go through because it’s not even CLOSE~ (Thank you, Jesus and those who have donned the Uniform!)~ but it’s kinda crazy how many of us unwittingly deny ourselves the freedom to get outside of our own head and embrace play.

There’s healing there.

There’s hope there.

There’s life there.

Marina said it wonderfully: “Play is necessary for humans.”

Turns out, psychology tells us she’s right on the money. In fact, an article in Psychology Today puts it boldly like this: “We were made for play.”

Not just kids – humans.

All of us.

Young, old – male, female,

Every skin color –

Every heritage –

Every background –

In America, Afghanistan, and everywhere in between….

We need this.

Continuing to allow ourselves to be robbed of the life-giving results that can only come through play isn’t some sort of moral virtue. It’s limiting our potential for living the life we were created for.

So I ask you-