All LINKS - LINKTR.EE/BARBARAFAISON
This is an episode about connecting and FUN!
In episode 2025 – Week 4 I talked about fun. It was the weekend I got to hang out with 10 wonderful ladies I have connected with over the past 10 years at a gathering we have several times during the year. We shared our accomplishments from 2024 and our desires for 2025. I shared that I was open to more fun and understanding what that meant at this stage in my life.
Being in the early years of my sixth decade on this earth definitely has me pondering and prioritizing things differently. I still have my part-time job at the local library and I have some voiceover work that is satisfying and I am open to what brings me fun at this time in my life.
Last week I finished the improv class I started in January and it was enjoyable. The class definitely taught me to be MORE in the moment and to think quickly. I don’t feel a desire to move on to the next level. Was it fun for me? Hmmm. Good question? I think it a was necessary experience. I’ve had some experience with theater from high school and in my 20’s and 30’s so maybe it felt like… I’ve been there…done that before to some degree. One thing I know about myself is I like to try new things and repeating myself feels redundant.
So as I continue to be open to new experiences I reflect and note that fun can be crocheting a shawl for my dear friend Bonnie’s mom, who has gifted so many people with her handmade pillows. Fun can also be completing a 500 piece jigsaw puzzle in three sittings and feeling relaxed and accomplished.
What I'm beginning to realize is that fun for me is often hanging out with people I enjoy spending time with and this may be family or friends.
This weekend I hung out with two delightful friends, Susan and Jennifer. We enjoyed Ethiopian food at a local restaurant, called Desta. The ladies and I described the food as a "spiritual experience." Yes, it was that good! The flavors, the combinations of the warm and cool food, and the service was STELLAR. We laughed and enjoyed connecting in person for the first time in close to two years. We have a text thread where we share what’s happening in our lives, funny videos and support each other when needed. It was way too long since we had been together , in person, so we already have our next outing planned for June.
Yes, I had a ball…and it was definitely fun.
Sometimes we feel that as adults it may be challenging to make new friends. I am here to tell you that when we open our mind, body and our spirit up to make connections, connections happen. I met Susan through my connection with Kym and I met Jennifer through my connection with Susan. Look at that.
I’m going to share the mini meditation I shared in episode 4 to help focus on fun. The mind loves to answer questions, so let’s do a simple practice.
Close your eyes if you aren’t driving or operating heavy equipment. Lol.
Take a few breaths in through your nose and out through your mouth.
Relax your shoulders as you breathe at your own pace.
Give yourself permission to remember a time when you had fun. Ask yourself these questions:
When I recently had fun I was ________?
What was I doing when I was having fun?
Who was I with when I had fun?
Where was I when I was having fun?
Sit with these questions and remind your subconscious mind to remind you of the answers later.
I’ll give you a few moments in the silence to breathe and receive.
As you are returning to this moment, say aloud, “Subconscious mind, please remind me of the answer to my questions about having fun.”
Return back to this moment and into your body. Take a deep breath in through your nose. And a loud exhale out your mouth.
Take a look around you. Say aloud one more time, “Subconscious mind, please remind me of the answer to my questions about having fun now or later.
Did anything come up for you? If not, asking the question is planting a seed so be ready to receive an answer you least expect it.
Law & Order: Criminal Justice System - Season 1 & Season 2
Season Two Out Now! Law & Order: Criminal Justice System tells the real stories behind the landmark cases that have shaped how the most dangerous and influential criminals in America are prosecuted. In its second season, the series tackles the threat of terrorism in the United States. From the rise of extremist political groups in the 60s to domestic lone wolves in the modern day, we explore how organizations like the FBI and Joint Terrorism Take Force have evolved to fight back against a multitude of terrorist threats.
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com
NFL Daily with Gregg Rosenthal
Gregg Rosenthal and a rotating crew of elite NFL Media co-hosts, including Patrick Claybon, Colleen Wolfe, Steve Wyche, Nick Shook and Jourdan Rodrigue of The Athletic get you caught up daily on all the NFL news and analysis you need to be smarter and funnier than your friends.