Well•come, kin. Pause, and take a deep, calming breath with me. In… and out… As you breathe, remind yourself of your innate wisdom and wholeness. With each breath—be here. Fully present, as we embark on this journey together.

LaShaun Certified behavior analyst, founding former Director of The University of South Florida’s (USF) Wellness Resource Center, Founder of GLOW Women’s Gathering with credentials in Neuroscience for Business from MIT Sloan.

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Have you ever truly done nothing? I mean, really nothing? For many of us, even our “nothing” is filled with seeking—reading, meditating, monetizing, or planning the next big thing. But what if I told you that doing “nothing” could be the most enriching activity of all? Enter Julia Cameron’s concept of the Artist’s Date from “The Artist’s Way”.

The Artist’s Date is a once-weekly, festive, solo expedition to explore something that interests you. It’s like an adult playdate. It’s not about producing but about nourishing your creative spirit. Think of it as a “do-nothing” in disguise, a playful escape that replenishes your inner well of inspiration. Whether it’s visiting a pet store, wandering through a children’s bookstore, or simply sitting in a park, the goal is to engage in activities that spark joy and curiosity.
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In our fast-paced world, we often equate busyness with productivity, filling every moment with tasks and distractions. It’s challenging to step off this relentless treadmill, yet the most profound inspiration often emerges from moments of quiet reflection. Allowing ourselves to simply be, without agenda or expectation, can feel foreign and even uncomfortable. But it’s in these seemingly empty spaces that our creative spirits find room to breathe and flourish. By consciously choosing to pause—to engage in the radical act of doing “nothing”—we’re not just taking a break; we’re opening a portal to deeper self-awareness and untapped wells of creativity.
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​These adult playdates, these deliberate excursions into wonder, aren’t mere indulgences. They’re vital nourishment for our souls (mind, will + emotions), reconnecting us with the childlike curiosity and joy that fuel our most authentic expressions.

• Build a blanket fort, yep…channel your inner child
• Dance on your tippy-toes to your favorite playlist
• Seek hidden treasures in an antique shop—take a photo and share a story about it.
• Knead some dough (the eating or non-eating kind)
• Cultivate “nerves of still” https://www.instagram.com/p/CNOXDKsljEj/
• Try your hand at origami.
• Breathe and follow your breath.
• Observe a leaf and let your mind wander.
• Heat up a blanket in your dryer and jump under it and feel.the.sensation.
• Craft flower mandalas at a local park.
• Stand under some water and just let it flow.

The beauty of the adult playdate lies in its simplicity: a time to breathe and let inspiration flow. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, an executive, or an ingénue, we all need space to let our minds wander and our spirits soar.

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Research in positive psychology and network neuroscience supports the idea that engaging in playful activities can enhance creativity and overall well-being. Studies have shown that taking time for leisure and play can improve cognitive flexibility, reduce stress, and foster innovative thinking.

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So, why not give yourself permission to play? To do “nothing” that is, in fact, everything. Plan your adult playdate and let it be a time of joy, exploration, and creative renewal. Remember, it’s not about the destination but the journey—the whimsical, delightful journey of rediscovering your creative self.
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Play isn’t just for children; it’s a vital component of a fulfilling adult life. Engaging in playful activities can have profound effects on our well-being and cognitive abilities:

Boosts Creativity:

Play stimulates the brain’s creative pathways, encouraging novel thinking and innovative problem-solving.

Unstructured play, in particular, allows the mind to wander and make unexpected connections, fostering creative breakthroughs.

Reduces Stress:

Playful activities trigger the release of endorphins, our body’s natural stress-relievers.

Engaging in play can lower cortisol levels, reducing feelings of anxiety and tension.

Enhances Cognitive Flexibility:

Play encourages adaptive thinking and the ability to switch between different cognitive tasks.

This flexibility is crucial for navigating complex problems and adapting to new situations in both personal and professional life.

Fosters Innovation:

Companies that incorporate play into their work culture often see increased innovation and productivity.

Playful environments encourage risk-taking and out-of-the-box thinking, essential for breakthrough ideas.

Improves Problem-Solving Skills:

Engaging in games and puzzles enhances logical thinking and strategic planning abilities.

These skills transfer to real-world problem-solving, making challenges more manageable.

Enhances Social Connections:

Group play activities strengthen social bonds and improve communication skills.

These connections contribute to overall well-being and can lead to more collaborative and innovative work environments.

Boosts Learning and Memory:

Playful learning experiences are more likely to be retained long-term compared to passive learning methods.

The emotional engagement in play helps cement new information and skills.

Incorporating play into daily life doesn’t require elaborate setups. Simple activities like doodling, playing word games, or engaging in impromptu dance sessions (one of my faves) can infuse your day with playfulness.The key is to approach activities with a spirit of curiosity, joy, and openness to new experiences.

By embracing play as part of living artfully, we not only enhance our personal well-being but also cultivate a more creative, flexible, and innovative approach to life and work. This playful mindset can lead to greater fulfillment, improved problem-solving abilities, and a more joyful existence overall whether you are an executive, an entrepreneur, or an ingenue.
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We live in a world that often values productivity over play, but it’s in those moments of play that we find our true selves. The adult playdate is an invitation to step away from the hustle and reconnect with what makes our hearts sing. It’s a reminder that creativity isn’t just about making art; it’s about living artfully. It’s about seeing the world through a lens of wonder and curiosity, and allowing your inner child the freedom to explore without an agenda.

Embrace the paradox of doing “nothing”—the play, the exploration, and the joy of your adult playdate. In the wild expanse of your imagination, you find true productivity.
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