Playing is good for adults and it feels kind of subversive! A thread:

Over the last year or so, I’ve said “fuck it, I’m gonna do fun stuff even though I’m too old”. This includes making music, painting, origami, fossil hunting, judo (tiny pod), video games, skating, and wearing shirts with dinosaurs on them. It’s been fucking GREAT!

The fact that I’m able to do any of this is a huge privilege. I’m able bodied, I have time, a safe home and neighborhood, a little spending money, access to nature, etc.

There’s a TON more to be said about leisure and privilege! But I’ve also noticed that people with similar privileges and access seem to view hobbies and play as essentially childish things that just aren’t for grownups.

And I’ve wondered if I’m turning into a goddamn teenager

But I’m not! I have the same experience and confidence and self knowledge and interpersonal skills and ability to manage responsibility as pretty much any other adult.

(Side note, what if adulthood is actually about emotionally maturity and care for others in your community and not just babies and real estate holdings???? @Toadcialism )

I’ve noticed that common “fun for women!” activities are often described in terms of their usefulness

Zumba is fun AND it will keep youth in!

Keep you thin*

Puzzles and stuff keep your brain healthy. Scrapbooks preserve family memories. Photography preserves family memories and can help earn money for your family. Sewing and knitting, canning, soap making and other instagram activities are for your family too!

Taking some time to yourself is good I’m part because YOUR FAAAAMILY needs you to be mentally healthy!

If you’re good at something, it’s an example to your family!

You know who benefits from my Stardew Valley farm? MEEEEEEEEEE BITCHES

also the guy who made the game, which is cool. And actually yes my kids benefit because they like to play too. But I would still play even if it didn’t help anyone else because I’m a person too and I can do fun things if I want.

(Side note, just told my kid that I’m writing right now and she needs to be in charge of her own fun for a few minutes. Side side note, different kids respond differently to this kind of direction, and if telling them to go play doesn’t work in your house right now that’s OK!)

Adults drink and talk. I also like drinking and talking, but lately when I see folks in my tiny pod I’m like “here! Have a twisty puzzle and some crayons!” and you know what? It’s great!

A lot of adults turn out to be surprised and delighted at being invited to play just for their own pleasure.

Skating and judo have real benefits that are great, but I do these things because I just like how to feels to move in my body.

Also, I’ve noticed that neurodivergent folks are often some playful, hobby ridden motherfuckers and I seriously you all.

I think this is partly because ND people don’t tend to find taboos as compelling as NT folks. “Moms don’t skateboard.” “Y tho????” *proceeds to not give a fuck*

I hereby give you all permission to have utterly useless fun. And if you want to talk about it here, please do, because people being excited about their weird ass hobbies is the fucking best.