To me, age doesn't make a difference in terms of how playful or

In the eternal dance of life, where time flows like a river and all things change with the passing seasons, there is one truth that transcends age and circumstance: playfulness is not a gift reserved for the young alone, but a spirit that can be embraced at any stage of life. Brit Morin captures this timeless truth when she states, "To me, age doesn't make a difference in terms of how playful or fun life can be." These words echo through the ages, calling us to remember that the joy of living, the ability to engage with the world with a light heart and a curious spirit, is not something that diminishes with the years, but is a fire that can burn bright at any age.

The ancients understood that play was an essential part of being human. In the Greek world, the concept of play was not confined to children but was also a central part of life for adults. The Olympic Games, where the finest athletes of the Greek world competed, were a celebration of the joy of physical challenge, of competition, and of human capability. These games, though serious in their pursuit of honor, were also deeply playful—a chance for the minds and bodies of the Greeks to engage in the spirit of fun and excellence. The Greek philosophers themselves, such as Socrates, often engaged in dialogue and debate that could be playful and spirited, for they believed that the pursuit of wisdom should be as full of joy as it was of learning.

Similarly, the Romans celebrated the concept of ludus—play and games—as a means of both relaxation and social cohesion. The Roman bathhouses were places not only of cleanliness but also of playfulness, where young and old alike could engage in physical activity, games, and conversation. Seneca, the great Stoic philosopher, spoke of the importance of laughter and joy in life, teaching that even in the pursuit of wisdom, there must be moments of lightness, for laughter helps to maintain the balance of the soul. This ancient wisdom aligns perfectly with Morin’s reflection—playfulness is not confined to the young, but is an essential part of life, a reminder that we are alive and capable of experiencing the world with wonder, regardless of the years we carry.

In our own time, Brit Morin's words resonate deeply. We live in an age where youth is often worshipped, and old age is seen as a time of decline. Yet, as Morin reminds us, play and fun are not limited to the young, nor should they be. Consider the example of Grandma Moses, who began painting at the age of 78 and became a beloved American folk artist. Her paintings, full of color and joy, remind us that creativity and playfulness can flourish at any age, and that life can be enjoyed and expressed regardless of the number of years one has lived. Her art was not about age or time, but about the spirit of creation that transcended the body’s limitations.

There is also the story of Winston Churchill, who, despite the weight of leadership during World War II, maintained a spirit of playfulness and humor. Churchill was known for his quick wit, his love of painting, and his fondness for deep conversations that often veered into light-heartedness. In his later years, he continued to engage with the world with a youthful vigor, never allowing the burdens of age or responsibility to strip him of his love for life. His example reminds us that the joy of living, of remaining playful in spirit, can continue to the very end, no matter the challenges one faces.

Morin’s reflection teaches us that life is a gift, and it is the spirit of play that allows us to fully appreciate that gift. Age, with all its wisdom and experience, should not dull our sense of fun or curiosity. In fact, it should deepen it, for it is through the eyes of age that we can often see the world more clearly, appreciating its beauty, its humor, and its richness in ways that youth cannot. To live fully is not to grow serious and stern as the years pass, but to embrace the spirit of play, to find joy in the small moments, and to celebrate life in all its fullness.

The lesson here is simple: playfulness is not just the domain of the young, but the inheritance of all who remain alive in spirit. No matter your age, never let the world of fun and joy pass you by. Embrace life with a light heart, laugh when you can, and engage with the world in a way that keeps you young at heart. Let Brit Morin's words remind us that, while age may change our bodies, it need not diminish the vibrancy and playfulness of our souls. Life is too short to take too seriously—embrace it fully, at every age, with the same wonder and joy you had as a child.