What I Learned From Little Girls At Play

Man’s main task in life is to give birth to himself, to become what he potentially is. The most important product of his effort is his own personality. Erich Fromm, German social psychologist, psychoanalyst, sociologist, humanistic philosopher

I’m having a wonderful summer spending time with my big kids and grands. Recently, I orchestrated painting projects for my younger granddaughters, ages 6-8. Some painted objects that were later glazed and baked in a kiln; others painted wooden birdhouses, one painted a bank.

This is what I learned:

• Some charged ahead with confidence in their choices and looked forward to the final product
• Some charged ahead, worried about their mistakes, then asked for help
• Some planned carefully and worked with care
• Some simply had fun, got it mostly done, then looked for other creative things to do
• Some were neat, others—not so much

How do you “play?” There’s no right way. But, there are different styles according to personalities. Go ahead—plan, or not; make mistakes, or not; be messy, or not; have a short, sweet time or stick with it until it’s perfect. Give birth to yourself and embrace your “play personality.”

Affirmation: I like to play.

Coaching questions: What’s your play personality? What do you do for fun?