A long time ago, back when this blog first began (nostalgic sigh), I wrote a post entitled ‘Should it be this much fun?’ For me, it makes quite entertaining reading to look back on. Of course I was having fun. I was dog-sitting the most gorgeous dog on the planet, in a beautiful house in beautiful Plymouth, and I was finally able to give time to the ideas that had bounced around in my mind for the past three years. Oh, and I was at the start of a project. Always so much more fun than the rest.

But I have to say, I do have something to learn from my past self. Rather than just enjoying the fact that sometimes what I do is fun, I have to let it be fun.

Hear me out.

In another part of my life, I’m a teacher. And while I often enjoy aspects of my job, it can be challenging, and dare I say, a bit boring. But there’s this one game I play that involves getting children to strike quite silly poses, while remaining completely serious. I use this game a lot, and sometimes it can feel boring and repetitive. But then I look out at these very serious children, trying desperately to balance in a ridiculous position, staring at me, determined to win. It is hilarious. And I let it be fun. I laugh with them (and maybe a bit at them) and the day becomes better for all of us.

We should apply this same principle to our creative work. Sometimes what we have to do is ridiculous, sometimes it’s joyful, sometimes it’s one of our favourite things. Then let it be that. Even though it is technically work, and you might not want to do it, there is still something to enjoy.

Take a moment. Bathe in the absurdity, the beauty, the joy of what you’re doing.

Let it be fun.

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Jena Ren – 2022