Meet Blueberry
Blueberry was found in a garbage receptacle wherein only a human could have placed him. He was found by my daughter’s ice skating coach and after being offered to her for adoption, she readily agreed (with her parents permission) to give him a loving home. He now lives the good life. While so much could be said about the kind of people that would be so cruel to a defenseless little animal, this is not the intent of this piece. Maybe we’ll re-visit that topic at a later date, but I will say I have tremendous respect for those involved in animal rescue and adoption.
Blueberry came into our house with two other cats. They are both about 3-5 years old and were also rescues. While sitting on the couch the other evening I watched Blueberry play and amuse himself with any and every little thing on the floor. Kitten toys, hair bows, little balls etc. He played and played until he wore himself out. Only to take a nap and then play again. Meanwhile the other two cats just watched but obviously decided that such play was beneath them and instead chose to just casually observe Blueberry’s antics.
It was at that moment that I strangely thought to myself, have I become like the two other cats? Too old or too unwilling to be bothered with play. After all, I worked all day and was tired. I had important things on my mind, and thoughts about goals and plans for tomorrow, as well the future. There were bills to pay, patients to tend to and payroll was approaching for another week at the office.
Then I recalled an important lesson taught, but often forgotten, by my father, “If you work hard you need to play hard, otherwise you won’t appreciate why you work hard. And, your life will be miserable centered only around work”. He was very successful and never advocated being irresponsible or lazy, but in retrospect he seemed to be one of the few people that was able to balance a successful practice himself, help raise a family of 4 children with my mother, while being able to enjoy life.
As I thought about all this, and reflected on all the advice we read, give or receive on goals and striving forward, I realized that we often forget to ‘just play’. It doesn’t have to be for long or cost anything, but the benefits are extraordinary. A few minutes of just kicking a soccer ball with your kids, or playing a round of “Pretty Pretty Princess” (I have a daughter) or just watching an episode of your favorite sitcom, can not only clear your mind, it helps you immediately put balance in your life. Not to mention so many other positive benefits such as tightening the bonds between you and your kids, friends or significant other. Getting a little exercise or fresh air without the thought of ‘working out’. Or just laughing and giving yourself a chance just for a bit to stop taking yourself so serious.
So, this summer in the midst of your busy life, work and schedule ‘just play’ a little everyday. Don’t stress to ‘make time’ for this, rather just look for the opportunities that are there all the time (even at work, just don’t get carried away).
Remember, in life we tend to find what we seek. So, have some fun, and keep being fit, fearless and fabulous. – Dr V
