Shaping Up for Play

After days, weeks, months, and four grueling years staring face-to- face with my computer screen while  building my new business, a stark realization blew in with the fall chill; the only muscles getting a real workout were my fingers.  Sure I would take the occasional hike, but rarely did I challenge myself to go any further than my usual 2 mile route.  After subtle hints by a good friend(who at one time lagged behind me on the trail), and her generous gift of a month of training, I found myself yesterday unpolished and raw at a local playground, dressed for boot camp.

Step one. Get in shape. One needs endless, boundless energy to play. As a child I could run, jump rope, and hula hoop, from sun up till sundown.  So now is time to get in shape for play. It was a beautiful morning, and there I was without my blackberry, or friends watching on FB, trying to jump robe. As I tripped over the chord I complained to myself that the rope was too long.  As a child, any scrap of rope would do. Next, the 50 yard dash. By round three, I was slowly inching my way back towards the orange cone, watching as the more seasoned players bent down and touched the earth at each post. Yikes.

I am using my adult determination to overcome my clumsiness in the park.  I am exercising unused muscles used for frolicking, despite inept promptings of my adult voice clamoring that this is child's play.  This morning, I am once again confronted with sore muscles as I  pry myself up from the toilet seat.  The cat had to eat her breakfast on the bathroom counter, I could not bend down to place her bowl on the floor.  I do not remember ever being sore after a boundless day of play. This is an awkward experience.  However I still convinced it is time to remember how to play.