Recess Isn’t Over

Why Adulthood Without Play is Just Emails and Existential Dread

The other day I watched a child spin in circles until they fell over laughing. No purpose. No prize. Just the pure, dizzy joy of being alive.

And I thought: God, when did we stop doing that?

At some point, play turned into productivity.

Running became “cardio.”

Drawing became “not my thing.”

Lying in the grass? A waste of time.

So here’s my invitation: let’s unlearn that.

This summer, I’m launching a lighthearted series called Playland Dispatches—for anyone who feels a little too grown up, a little too serious, and secretly misses sidewalk chalk, Capri Suns, and the feeling of the sun hitting your shoulders with nowhere to be.

We’ll explore:

• What it means to play again when you’re 30+, 40+, and just… tired

• Why your inner child isn’t some cheesy concept, but a compass for joy

• And how to reclaim small, weird, joyful things without overthinking them

There will be stories (some hilarious, some vulnerable), nostalgia, and maybe even a few dares. I’m not promising healing. I’m promising aliveness. And maybe some melted popsicles and sticky laughter.

This isn’t about regression. It’s about resurrection.

That girl who sang to herself while building castles out of couch cushions? She’s not gone. She’s just waiting for permission.

And I'm giving it to her.

Come along and give yourself permission to play as well.

So meet me in Playland. Bring your sunscreen, your silliest self, and maybe a snack. No permission slip needed. See you Thursday!

Love,

Cheryl 💖