Hey there, friends! Welcome to day five of round two of the 7-40 Challenge. Buckle up, because today was an absolute riot of fun. My family and I hit the state fair, and let me tell you, it was a glorious whirlwind of sights, sounds, and pure joy. From the gleaming cars in the automobile pavilion to the endless sea of hot tubs (who knew there was such a demand?), to the irresistible fair food and the electrifying chaos of the Midway—complete with a wild round of bumper cars—it was a day bursting with laughter and memories. I had a blast, and it tied perfectly into today’s reflection from Chase Jarvis’ book, Never Play It Safe. Specifically, his fifth level: Play.
This chapter hit me right in the heart. Jarvis nails something we often overlook: as we grow up, we forget how to play. We get buried under deadlines, responsibilities, and the pressure to perform, and we lose that carefree spark of creativity that comes so naturally to kids. The world might call play silly or a waste of time, but Jarvis argues it’s woven into our very being. It’s not just fun—it’s essential. As the philosopher Plato said in the 4th century BC, “We are twice armed if we fight with faith and play.” Play isn’t a distraction; it’s a cornerstone of a vibrant, balanced life.
Jarvis shares a story that really stuck with me. He describes a guy (whose name escapes me) who was crushing it at an internship, pouring his heart and soul into proving himself. He nailed every detail, worked himself to exhaustion, and eventually landed a full-time job at the company. Sounds like a success story, right? Not so fast. The relentless grind turned him into a workaholic. His personal life faded away, his sleep was a disaster, his eating habits were worse, and he was on the brink of a nervous breakdown. Diagnosed with anxiety, he quit his job, started medication, and hit a low point. That’s when a friend recommended a book about the power of play.
Desperate for a change, this guy took on a 30-day challenge to bring play back into his life. He went for walks, played sports, grabbed a baseball bat and a bag of balls, and spent time at the park with a friend, just hitting balls and letting loose. Day after day, he made time for play. And after 30 days? The results were staggering. His anxiety had vanished. He was off the medication. He was, in his own words, “just OK.” Jarvis drives home the point: play is as restorative as sleep. It frees our minds, reignites our creativity, and recharges us in ways that endless hustling never can. As the poet Robert Louis Stevenson wrote in 1885, “In play, we find the freedom to be our true selves, unburdened by the weight of the world.” When we play, we give our brains room to breathe, to dream, to create.
So, how does this connect to my day at the state fair? It’s like the fair was a living example of Jarvis’ point. My family and I dove headfirst into the experience—stuffing our faces with gloriously weird fair food (deep-fried cheesecake, anyone?), cackling like kids in the bumper cars, and maybe buying a few things we definitely didn’t need. We walked over five miles (my feet are still complaining), but every step was worth it. It was a day of pure, unscripted joy. We played. We laughed. We soaked in each other’s company. And you know what? My soul feels light. I’m tired, sure, but I’m recharged. My brain’s ready to tackle whatever’s next, all because I gave it a chance to just be.
So, wherever you are, whatever you’re doing, I’m challenging you to carve out a little time for play. Take a deep breath, go for a walk, toss a Frisbee, or blast your favorite song and dance like nobody’s watching. It’s not frivolous—it’s vital. Play might just be the secret to keeping your soul light and your mind free. Here’s to day six, friends—let’s keep the good vibes rolling!
What’s your favorite way to play and recharge? Drop a comment and let me know!
David Willis 