UnCagedPhoenix Magazine: June 2019

LIFE’S TOOLS
et’s do something a bit different over the summer... For the next few months, we are
going to put the apps down—we are going to put everything down—and head back
to the basics. The kids are out of school, the place is hot as heck, and though we
are still out there trying to do everything and be everywhere….it is time to have some
fun. For June (my birth month) we are gonna go way back and play a little with some
of the basic ways of having some old fashion, belly-laughing fun.
Recently, in the midst of school exams and work deadlines, my kids brought out a
simple deck of cards. I personally can’t even remember when we bought the cards
but somewhere between cleaning or looking for something else, they found them.
Right now, you are probably thinking I have lost my mind and can’t be suggesting that
you go buy a pack of cards… No, I have not lost my mind, but I am telling you to get
up and buy/order/find yourself a pack of cards today.
Should I have listened to my daughters when they proposed playing a game instead
of focusing on my deadlines and making them finish their studies? Maybe I shouldn’t
have, but time is so short, and everyone needs to take a break from the norm to
reconnect with loved ones. Could we have just turned on Netflix and watched a movie?
Yes, we could have…and we have many times. But when my daughters challenged me
and told me that they would beat me, the competitor in me instantly came out.
Just a quick word of caution… If your children or loved ones challenge you to a game
you have never played before, do not let your ego drive you to betting that you will
win. Don’t be like me! Humble yourself, learn the game and walk in your lane. My
kids introduced me to the Speed game, and my 40+ year old fingers and mind were
annihilated over and over again. Clearly, I did not heed my own advice early enough
and after diving in headfirst with my ego, I lost five games in a row! Through each
of the whopping defeats they handed me, we laughed and rolled rollickingly, while
making fun of each other and of my constant screaming for them to slow down. With
each loss, I hackled and fussed like a big baby.
A simple unbranded pack of cards revealed that we could take our focus off of
everything and, very inexpensively, enjoy a moment together. Too many times,
as adults, we believe that giving our kids and loved ones expensive
items demonstrates our love for them. But at the end of the
day, hearing my children’s laughter and seeing their joy each
time they won was priceless. It became even more valuable
when I understood the game to the point where I was able
to turn the tables and finally win a few rounds.
Take my advice...for this summer, break out the simple, old
school, fun ways of connecting with the people around you.
Blend your old games with their new games, invent new ones
and show your kids the beauty in having fun without apps and
technology.
6 UnCagedPhoenix