The afternoon sun was hot but I found a bit of shade to play under. I had left the house early. Normally I would hit Starbucks before going into work especially when I had about 30 minutes to kill but for whatever the reason I didn’t feel like doing that.

Wanting to stay close by I ended up driving around in back neighborhoods, you know, just driving around exploring. I saw the town park one that I had never been to so I quickly began to scan the place until my eyes landed on a place to play … on something I had not done in eons.

Do I dare? I mean, I am by myself and more than that I have no kids with me. Well, of course! I certainly don’t care what people think particularly about this kind of play even though it is intended for children.

Oh my gosh! My heart began to pump as I wound my way around to the parking lot. There was no one around which made it better only because I wanted to be alone with my thoughts with no distractions from others.

And so there I was … playing! At first it felt weird like the feeling you get in your stomach when you are falling (think roller coaster but not nearly that bad). I don’t ever recall as a child getting that feeling but it *has* been a few years to say the least. Ha ha!

I continued and as I did that stomach feeling went away. What a beautiful day! Hot, but beautiful. As I connected with nature allowing the universe to support me while feeling the warm breeze all over, the stress of the day began to melt away. I could feel my muscles relax especially in my face. The longer I played the l more I released.

About ten minutes into my play when I was really feeling free, an elderly gentleman drove by very slowly as he took in the site of a middle-aged woman swinging in the park by herself.  Yes, I was swinging!  I looked back at him and for a split second I was looking through the eyes of a child as I thought, “What are you looking at, mister? I’m just a kid ya know!” What a sweet moment.  I chuckled at myself and then I really did wonder what he thought, again, not that it mattered at all.

What fun I was having. Talk about therapeutic! Yeah! I have another really cool tool for my self-nurture tool box! Swinging!

I was only there for 15 minutes but I walked away feeling all giddy inside like a schoolgirl. Well wait, that is not entirely true.  Towards the end I noticed that I was beginning to feel a bit nauseous. What?! Motion sickness … really? <snicker>

I have convinced myself that I am just not used to swinging and that in time I will not be bothered with funky feelings in my stomach at the beginning and/or end of my swing times.

Yes, I plan to go swinging more. I can’t wait for fall when the air is cool and the leaves are turning beautiful colors. It will be a gorgeous sight to behold while I am spending time with one of my best friends on the swing.

That would be me! =)

Remember that the universe is our playground. Girlfriends, let’s get out there and play … play like a child! You will be amazed at what it will do for you … like fill your spirit with joy! Don’t get caught up in thinking that you don’t have time. Hogwash! We make time for the things that are important to us. Fifteen minutes is all it takes!! Fifteen minutes!

If you don’t know what I’m talking about then you must not be registered for The Wonder Woman Challenge. Go right now to the homepage and sign up. Then you will know and you will be taking a stand with many other women around the world who have chosen to love themselves enough to say, Yes! I AM IMPORTANT!

YES! … You ARE important!

Luv & hugs, girlfriends! … Go ahead! Go play! I dare you!

Shileen