As I sit here typing this on the “computer that lives in my purse” I think again, “I’m so glad I live in the future”.  I consider myself a pretty Early Adopter of technology (and social media) and I really appreciate how much it has enriched my job.  And how so many other tech advancements have enriched my personal life.

But, when I look at my friend’s 3.5-year old daughter, who has had her own Kindle since last Christmas (13 months!) it makes me thankful that I am of the “last outside generation”.

We HAD to go outside to play, there was nothing else to do.  We only had 3 channels on the TV!  I grew up with parents who placed value in saving for college over buying us fancy toys.  So, while there was access to gaming in my teenage years, that wasn’t an option in my family.

My childhood was filled with dare-devil stunts on our bikes (look ma’ no helmets), pick-up ball games in the empty lot across the street from the house, jumping on Kelly’s trampoline, swimming in the pool until we were prunes, and laying out in the backyard with Crisco for my “suntan lotion” and lemons washed into my hair.  On rainy days, it was cards, Monopoly, treasure hunts and books.

Those “non-tech” activities taught me skills that I’m not sure how many kids are learning today.  Including, but certainly not limited to;

• Fear nothing
• Use your imagination, you can create any world you want
• Read books, you can escape to any world you want
• Organize games – if you are enthusiastic, your friends will follow you anywhere
• etc. etc.

I can’t even begin to speculate how the hours, and hours (and hours!) of Monopoly and strategy games assist me in running our business….

Alright, I acknowledge that this somewhat sentimental ranting is possibly a by-product of getting older…but I know this, I am so very thankful that “go outside and play” was one of my Mom’s top mantras. (Followed very closely by, “did you put your toys away?” and the perennial, “have you made your bed?”)

And I’m glad that it’s stayed with me.  That I still really enjoy swimming in the ocean, walking on the beach, a pick-up game, riding my bike (and scooter), playing cards, reading books, etc. etc.

So if you are feeling stagnant, unimaginative, or just tired / old, here is my advice: “Go Outside and Play”!

Until your next trip to LisaLand…Happy Playing