“The one thing that you have that nobody else has is you. Your voice, your mind, your story, your vision. So write and draw and build and play and dance and live as only you can”. -Neil Gaiman

The theme at Chautauqua Institution this past week was Play. How does taking the time to be playful help us to be more creative, effective, and peaceful?

Neil Gaiman, one of my favorite writers, captures that playful spirit in the quote above.

When I allow myself to let go of my admittedly workaholic focus and let myself be a kid again — my grandchildren are very helpful for that — then my creativity flows freely and I become my own true self. That feels great.

How do you like to play? When do you like to play? And who in your life is your favorite playmate?