The Power of Play: Rediscovering Joy at Any Age

Bandanas fly past me as I lunge forward, reaching for one trailing behind a woman who dodges and weaves across the playing field. We’re playing Fox Tails, a high-energy tag game where each player tucks a bandana into their back pocket, mimicking a fox’s tail. The goal? Snatch as many tails as possible—while keeping your own.

It’s joyfully competitive and wildly entertaining, but what makes it even more special is watching a group of middle-aged women—who haven’t played like this since gym class—laughing, twirling, and fully embracing the moment. For some, gym class wasn’t exactly a place of fond memories, yet here they are, playing without hesitation, without self-consciousness—just pure, unfiltered joy.

SHE'S WILD - MONTHLY OUTDOORS WOMEN'S GROUP

When Was the Last Time You Truly Played?

I don’t mean playing with your child or engaging in a strategic board game. I mean the kind of play where your whole body is engaged, where you’re free from the constant hum of responsibilities, stress, and mental to-do lists—where you are simply in the moment, fully alive.

During one of our She’s Wild sessions, after playing a hiding game, one woman remarked, "I can’t remember the last time I laid on the forest floor." When I asked if it was a good thing, she responded with a resounding YES, her face lit up with a wide, knowing smile.

The Vital Role of Play in Our Lives

As adults, we often push play aside, considering it unproductive, childish, or unnecessary. But play isn’t frivolous—it’s fundamental. It reconnects us with our child-like (not childish) spirit, unlocking curiosity, wonder, authenticity, and resilience. It peels back the layers of obligation, responsibility, and seriousness that so often weigh us down.

Renowned playwright George Bernard Shaw once said: “We don’t stop playing because we grow old, we grow old because we stop playing.”

The way we play may evolve over time, but the levity, connection, and presence it offers never diminishes.

In childhood education, we advocate fiercely for play as a means of learning, yet why do we exclude adults from that same wisdom? The following quotes, originally written about children, take on a whole new meaning when we expand them to include grown-ups too.

"For a small child (and adults of all sizes), there is no division between playing and learning; between the things they do ‘just for fun’ and things that are ‘educational.’ The child (and adult) learns while living, and any part of living that is enjoyable is also play."— Penelope Leach

"If we want our kids (and our parents, grandparents, aunties, and uncles) to have happy, productive lives, we must allow more time for play, not less."— Peter Gray

"When we deny children (and those over 12 years old) play, we are denying them the right to understand the world."— Erika Christakis

"Play gives children (of all ages) a chance to practice what they are learning."— Fred Rogers

Playing with fire...safely, of course.

Bringing Play Back into Our Lives

What if we intentionally carved out space for play in our daily lives? What if we valued it as much as productivity, self-improvement, and goal-setting?

Whether it’s dancing, running through the woods, rolling in the grass, jumping in puddles, or playing a ridiculous game of tag, play isn’t just for kids—it’s for all of us.

So, I ask you again: When was the last time you truly played? If it’s been a while, consider this your invitation. Step outside, let go, and play. You might just rediscover a part of yourself you didn’t realize was missing.

Ready to Play Again? Join Us!

If this blog resonated with you—if you’re craving laughter, movement, and the freedom to just play—then it’s time to step outside and rediscover your wild self.

🔥 Join the next She’s Wild adventure (April 5th) – A nature-based women’s group where movement, connection, and play come together in the great outdoors.

🏕️ The Great Escape (July 24-27, Powell River, BC) – A 4-day summer camp for women, packed with canoeing, yoga, ecstatic dance, creative workshops, and unfiltered fun.

👧 Girls Get Outside – A Second Cohort is Launching! If you have a primary-aged daughter, give her the gift of outdoor play, confidence, and connection with nature.

✨ Life is serious enough—let’s make space for play. Sign up today!