Another potentially positive offspring  of a substantial economic downturn, which is closely associated with the opportunity to reshuffle our priorities, is the chance it provides us to redefine fun and to seek more of it with our spare time.  It is almost embarrassing to realize that prior to this “great recession”, we allocated so much of our time and energy to activities that simply weren’t much fun and didn’t include those who mean the most to us.

With new found “free time” on our hands and the pressure to preserve financial resources, we naturally seek out alternative pastimes.  The silver lining in this often includes having fun with family and friends over casual gatherings.  We suddenly begin to take stock in simple pleasures and appreciate what we already have available.

During our late summer cleaning this year, we even discovered long forgotten “toys” that still bring us great pleasure.

Believe it or not, I think my kids actually had a few hours of fun RAKING the LEAVES this year!  (ok…maybe that’s a stretch)

Fun is all around us…when we focus on it.  I use to think it was a silly saying that “happiness is a choice”, but it is especially contagious and transferable once it starts.

I believe we can actually achieve higher quality of life in a downturn because we are often forced to make more quality time available.  I think a slower / more manageable pace helps facilitate spontaneity and perhaps we can feel better about the quality of fun we are having with minimal cost.  While it can often happen without much effort, it is easier to simply make plans to give it a try.

There are a number of ideas worthy of consideration:

- Try an old fashioned “game night” with another couple or with your kids

- Family movie nights are always popular (this time with popcorn–just like the theater)

- Connect with distant friends/relatives via social media–actually posting photos and stories on facebook for others to enjoy.  I am still a bit lame in this regard, but I am getting better.

- You may find that nothing is more fulfilling than volunteering for that role in your Church that really needs attention

- I’ve heard from several colleagues that have also submerged in their kids school activities and/or sports and the added bonus of stronger bonds with their children

- Time to go back to school yourself?  Even online self-improvement classes or learning modules can be fun (ie finally learn how to really use Excel…or start a foreign language)

Any other ideas?  What recommendations would you have for someone to instill more FUN in their lives without using significant financial resources?