As we were about to board the Seven Dwarfs’ Mine Train ride at Disney this past weekend, my five-year-old Zach turned to us and offered some serious instructions: “You have to think about the fun ride, so then you can feel the fun-ness.”
So often our minds are pulled into ruminating about the past, or rehearsing for the future. There is value in reviewing our past to gain insight. We do well to plan for the future with intention. But we are often best off thinking about what is happening now, allowing ourselves to be mindfully present and take in what is happening. Who are you with right now? What are you doing right now? Try to immerse yourself in the experience fully. Look for the moments of joy and fun and for opportunities to play. Turn up the radio and sing along in your car. Go for a run and blast the music in your headphones. Draw, paint, or prepare a special dinner or dessert. Think about the fun-ness so you can feel the fun-ness in your life today.