When was the last time you felt fully disconnected from your to-do list? 

The last time I had that feeling, I was on a walk through a local park. I found myself cross-legged on the ground, making a crown out of flowers and looking for four-leaf clovers.  

I’ve thought a lot about how many times I did this as a kid and why I still stop for an inviting patch of clover. Or why I get nostalgic at the sound of a lawn mower on a Saturday morning. Or why the smell of freshly cut grass makes me want to stop everything, flop down, and stare at the sky. 

The truth is, I’ve done all of the above a lot more since having kids. After college, I all but abandoned the call to play, focused more on checking off boxes on my to-do list and figuring out who I was supposed to become. Now, I feel the call to introduce my kids to what I loved most about my childhood, to see what makes their mouths smile and their eyes go wide. 

After college, I all but abandoned the call to play. . . . Now, I feel the call to introduce my kids to what I loved most about my childhood, to see what makes their mouths smile and their eyes go wide. 

A kid doesn’t necessarily think about whether they’re doing something right; they inherently know to just enjoy the moment as it is. Consider how you find those natural moments of play when you’re around kids, then ask yourself, How can I find similar moments of play that are just for myself?

This July, our contributors will be writing about the magic of fostering playfulness in your relationships, how to layer design elements in your home, and rediscovering play as an adult. I’ll be revealing our wallpaper selection in the kids’ bedroom and will have a bunch of kitchen remodel updates to share with you all… Stay tuned for this and plenty more throughout the month ahead!

This July, I’d encourage you to find the elements that help you take your time from mundane to play. Get in the habit of viewing your life as an opportunity to explore. Take the time to journal about where you want to travel, what projects you want to try, the person you want to be—not to prove anything to anyone but simply for the sake of enjoyment. Dress in clothing that makes you feel excited to step out into the world. Be with people who allow you to act a fool without judgment or, better yet, who join you. 

This month, our theme is all about PLAY—what it is, where to find it, and why it could be the key to finding more contentment in adulthood.

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Kate Arends

Kate is the founder of Wit & Delight. She is currently learning how to play tennis and is forever testing the boundaries of her creative muscle. Follow her on Instagram at @witanddelight_.