This topic is a breath of fresh air for family caregivers and care receivers. I share a favorite audio clip from the Disney movie, Mary Poppins, highlighting the importance of finding the fun “in every job that must be done.” Author Courtney Ellis suggests we should all be more open to what she calls “the joy and freedom of play.” Even in the messiness of family caregiving, I couldn’t agree more There are many benefits to a playful mindset, for caregivers and everyone who surrounds them. Playfulness is easier to work into your day than you might think. Check out this episode for four simple steps to finding the fun in your day and for approaching the messiness of family caregiving from a playful perspective. One of my favorite episodes so far! Hope it gives you fresh perspective to consider as you move through your days.
Resources:

“A Spoonful of Sugar” audio clip from Mary Poppins Soundtrack, Disney, 1964
The No More Perfect Podcast with Jill Savage, guest Courtney Ellis, https://open.spotify.com/episode/55W0PHmzJEarRe29zrsEen
Website for Courtney Ellis, https://courtneybellis.com/
A link to Courtney’s book, Happy Now: Let Playfulness Life Your Load & Renew Your Spirit, https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/happy-now-courtney-ellis/1137916322
Today’s Bible touchpoint, Ecclesiastes 3:1-4, https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ecclesiastes%203%3A1-4&version=NIV

Takeaways:

A spirit of playfulness can be a real blessing for a family caregiver, supporting a positive attitude for the caregiver, for the care receiver, and for everyone who comes in contact with them.
Jill Savage recently interviewed author Courtney Ellis on The No More Perfect Podcast. Courtney wrote a book in 2021 about the importance of incorporating playfulness into your day.
According to Ellis, “Playfulness raises us from our doldrums, lifts our gazes, and buoys our spirits. It holds the power to transform our lives. A gift from God who created us, playfulness reminds us that we are a people dearly loved and set free to tell everyone that they are dearly loved, too.”
Caregivers can find a million reasons not to be playful, but there is joy to be found in adopting this mindset when circumstances allow it.
My four steps to finding this joy in your day include giving yourself permission to play, looking for opportunities to play, not making it harder than it is, and not expecting perfection.
Ellis suggests we think of something we loved to do as a child and adapt our activities in that direction or think about what we’d do for fun if we had a day to ourselves. I offer some ideas to encourage us to think more on this!
Our Bible touchpoint from Ecclesiastes suggests there is a time for every activity under heaven, including a time to laugh and a time to dance. What a blessing to incorporate playfulness into our days as family caregivers!

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