let's start with the beginning. of the day i.e. almost every adult's first thoughts on waking up are work-related. when I say work, it isn't restricted to your profession alone. it could be feeding the dog, taking out the trash, fueling the car, paying the bills, etc. everyone wakes up thinking 'work' rather than 'play.’ professionals wakeup seeking solutions to work-related problems rather than their own personal dilemmas. those in the midst of a personal crisis are ruminating in a vicious cycle, unable to look outside of themselves. parents wake up thinking of their children but not with the desire to engage them in mutual play, but to prepare them for school, college, or work. young adults don't horse around anymore, having gotten busy with dreams of world domination. young children are probably the only ones who wake up wanting to play, but of course, they're packed up and sent to school.
don't you think you need to stop and smell the roses? maybe you do, but who's got the time? maybe you don't, for fear of losing out to others. well, either way, you'll eventually stop. one way or another. career burnout, mental meltdown, physical injury, medical crisis, personal loss, financial failure, etc. none of it by design or desire. if you get lucky and miss all of the above, there's always old age and retirement. by which time, you can't really play. your body is rigid and resistant, your mind lost and fearful, your spirit bored or broken. and if you still find a way, who would you play with? everyone your age is busy discussing surgeries and funerals. everyone younger than you is busy chasing their own tails. at this stage, the final destination; death actually begins to feel inviting. finally, you can stop!