During early childhood, I would fearlessly dance and sing aloud to Disney soundtracks and Taylor Swift ballads anywhere in public. I vividly recall twirling around the Ocean City, Maryland boardwalk while on vacation, joyously singing to myself.
With age, I seldom “dance like no one is watching.” In fact, sometimes I feel like I am no longer in tune with my “fun self.” Lightening up tends to be one of my greatest challenges.
I know I am not the only one experiencing this. The necessity for fun and how to define it are the topics of countless nonfiction books from Jen Sincero, Brené Brown and the like as well as an episode of Glennon Doyle’s podcast “We Can Do Hard Things.”
Fun for me usually means quiet, solitude activities like reading a new book, bingeing my favorite Netflix series, listening to an engaging podcast about “The Office” or getting my nails done.
Recently, I have been on a quest to rediscover the fun, adventurous side of my youth.
In May, I made the decision to relocate to Ohio from the beaches in Delaware state for work and to be closer to college friends. It was a daunting journey to be fully independent after enjoying the benefits of living with family for a year post graduation from Ohio University, but it was one of the most important steps I have ever taken.
As my aunt likes to say, this has been “the summer of Ally.”
In an effort to pursue my playful side, I have taken myself on dates to the movies, strolled through local farmers markets, created playlists that entice me to dance around my apartment in “Risky Business” style, attended my first Columbus Clippers game with friends, explored coffee shops in different cities, practiced yoga on the beach at Alum Creek State Park and indulged in s’mores and wine at a bonfire.
I also took a road trip to Cincinnati a few weekends ago to celebrate a friend’s birthday. Four of us spent five hours “kabrewing,” or kayaking while enjoying a few drinks. We blasted our favorite country hits and took a handful of pictures on my Fuji Polaroid camera as mementos of the day.
As Sincero states in “You are a Bada*s,” “If you want to live a life you’ve never lived, you have to do things you’ve never done.”
Pushing myself out of my comfort zone, I hesitantly signed up for my first hot air balloon ride with my co-worker, Kayleen Petrovia, at the All Ohio Balloon Festival on Aug. 13. Azelene Bond, 88, inspired me to be courageous when my publisher and festival coordinator, Kevin Behrens, informed me that she registered for a ride after winning a contest at Bluebird Retirement Community.
However, the pilots deemed it unsafe to fly because of the weather conditions. Bond was provided a free helicopter ride instead, and Kayleen and I were able to enjoy the outdoor concerts that evening, featuring Paulina Jayne and Mitchell Tenpenny.
I had the opportunity to interview Bond on Tuesday for an article about her experience at the festival. I am in awe of her daring personality. Even in her 80s, Bond eagerly partakes in helicopter rides, of course, slip and slides, ziplining and snow angel making— with a smile from ear to ear.
Now, I’m in search of my next activity to reassociate with my fun self.
Do you also struggle with an inability to have fun occasionally? What are you doing to access fun daily? Do you have a pump-up playlist that transforms your mood instantly?
I’d love to hear your ideas of fun activities or your energizing song suggestions!
-Ally Lanasa is a reporter for the Journal-Tribune.