Single Again "Just Have Fun"

By: Kenneth Stepp

Have we forgotten fun? I have at times. “Roll with it”, use to be my mantra. Only recently have I regained my footing on fun. I work more hours than anyone I know. But, most people who see me working, would not think I was working at all. They see me sitting at an outdoor café, laptop on the table, cold beer, dialoging with the staff. Yep. That’s kind of my job.And I love it. But at the end of the day, I am spent. Had fun, and had all I could stand.

realizing not everyone works that way. I am truly fortunate. A free spirit I guess. I don’t take myself seriously unless I am in pain. I do enjoy life, who wouldn’t if they were me? I say that with a huge smile on my face. We all have problems. I have plenty. Everyone does. The absence of the fun factor does seem to be epidemic these days though.

There are places designed to help the unimaginative find fun. Whole industries have been built for it. You can find places in every major market. You walk in, lights and bells are going off, every area is different colors, and games are everywhere. We’ve all been to one. Or….You can walk down a trail through the woods and watch animals, bugs, and even the wind work their magic. Have ever watched a chipmunk and wonder what they were thinking. The reality is, probably, not much. But, it’s fun to project. At least in my twisted thoughts it is.

My oldest daughter and I use to go to the airport and people watch. We would make up stories about them. Saturday morning was daddy/daughter time for us. And, it was fun. I miss those moments with her. We are best friends today. Fun is not an activity. It is an attitude. Finding oneself single again and alone more often than we care to admit, finding fun, or even creating it, is important. Hobbies can be fun, but often become more like work because we add them to our must do list. When that happens, you are then engaged in a job you simply work for free at. Think back to the last time you rushed to do a hobby and you will get what I mean by that.

My hobby, really my only one, is visiting small historic towns in Georgia, or near by, and learn the history, back story, eat local, etc. But that isn’t where the fun is for me. That is knowledge based. The fun for me is meeting new people. I visit the shops. Not to buy anything, or to regale myself on what they have to offer a curious public. I want to meet the people who work there, or the owners. That is my fun. I can always make them laugh. I take it as a personal responsibility. And yes, that’s my fun too. I’ve been called a people person. Not sure what that even means. I am an extrovert, most of the time. But an introvert can do something amazing too. They can encourage, brag on the shop, and inventory. Spread a little cheer in what is otherwise a mundane day. Totally worth doing too. You share joy, you have joy. That is the way it works.

Nowhere on earth is having fun easier than in the south. This is my truth. The people really are friendly, open, and ready to share. Can you imagine me doing this in the Bronx? Me neither. So, enjoyment in my surroundings is an ongoing quest for me. Have you found your “thing” yet? You will. People I meet that are always down are actually just searching for this element in their lives. And if it turns out to be meeting people and I run into one of them. I add to their joy. Funny how that works.

k@kstepp.com

Founder, American Angel Works