Why Play Still Matters: Rediscovering Joy and Connection as a Busy Woman
This past Saturday, a few of us met at the park. We brought our coffees, spread out a blanket under the trees, and let the morning unfold with no agenda.
And in that simplicity… something clicked.
We weren’t there for work.
We weren’t there for kids.
We were just there—to be.
One of the women, shared that her son had looked at the family calendar and said:
“Wait… you’re going to the park with Tami?”
Like the idea of his mom doing something just-for-her, something playful, didn’t quite compute.
It made us laugh… and made me pause.
When Did That Become Surprising?
As teens, we hung out in parks all the time.
As moms, we met there for playdates.
But somewhere along the way, the park became a place for caretaking, not connection.
And yet—this morning, sitting on a blanket, toes in the grass, breeze in the trees—I felt grounded.
Being in nature, face to face with people I trust, was exactly what I didn’t know I needed.
So yes… after chatting for a while, we filmed a few clips of us on the swings.
(There’s literal proof that we can still have fun. But shh… don’t tell anyone that motion sickness hits a little different these days. IYKYK Ha!)
It was a gentle reminder:
We can still make space for lightness and laughter—even as adults.
Life Gets Busy. But Joy Still Matters.
Lately, I’ve been thinking about all the boxes I’ve lived in, especially after a recent trip back to Utah.
Old neighborhoods, old routines, old expectations.
Some were handed to me by culture or faith. Others I built myself.
Boxes that told me to be small, be productive, be good.
Over the past 10 years, I’ve been breaking free.
And I’ve learned that joy—real, grounding, connective joy—is one of the first things we lose when life gets busy.
But it doesn’t have to be that way.
What Connection in the Park Is Really About
These monthly gatherings aren’t networking events.
They aren’t coaching sessions.
They’re just… space.
Space to pause, be present, and remember what fills you up.
Our next gathering is:
Thursday, July 18 at 9:30 AM
Bring a drink, a blanket or chair, and a little space in your day to connect.
Click here to sign up for monthly reminder emails.
Not Local? You’re Still Invited.
I know many of you live in other states (or countries!) and your life doesn’t allow for park mornings right now.
That’s why I created the Scattered to Steady™ Community.
It’s the online space where we pause, reset, and learn to manage what matters—with intention, confidence, and clarity.
Inside, we:
✅ Plan our months with purpose
✅ Reflect on what’s working
✅ Set real goals that support your life (not just your checklist)
✅ And walk alongside each other, with encouragement, accountability, and grace
→ Join the Scattered to Steady™ Community
Enneagram Corner: How Does Your Type Play?
Let’s be honest, play doesn’t always come naturally as adults.
Here’s one thing each Enneagram type might need to hear:
Type 1 – Play doesn’t have to be productive. You don’t have to earn it.
Type 2 – You can choose fun just for you—no one else required.
Type 3 – Rest and fun are valuable, even without a goal or outcome.
Type 4 – Let joy be simple. Play doesn’t have to be deep to be meaningful.
Type 5 – Protecting your energy can include lightness and laughter.
Type 6 – Try something unplanned—let yourself be surprised.
Type 7 – Pause to fully enjoy the moment, not just chase the next one.
Type 8 – You don’t have to carry it all. Play is powerfully freeing.
Type 9 – Your preferences matter. Choose what feels fun to you.
This week’s challenge: Say yes to one thing that brings joy—just because it does.
Know Someone Who Needs This?
If someone came to mind while reading this,someone juggling too much, silently struggling, or just feeling scattered, would you share this with them?
Your referral means more than you know.
It’s how we get this space into the hands of people who truly need it.
Thanks for being here.
With you and for you,
