New Year's Resolution...FUN??
So…how's the New Year's resolution going? Anyone having FUN yet??
Seems that most studies have shown that folks don't stick to their resolutions for more than a few weeks, especially if it's particularly challenging. Include me in that demographic. But I'm considering taking on FUN for 2024.
I'm not good at fun. My idea of fun is a sweaty hike up a mountain, a century bike ride, or a 5am hot yoga class. Even when it comes to music, I don't “play” guitar…I “work” on a song…or “practice” a riff. But recently I listened to a TED talk (yah, I listen to NPR…for fun) featuring Catherine Price, who speaks of the importance of fun in our lives, and breaks it down into 3 components: (and yes, we're about to scientifically dissect fun!) Playfulness, Connection, and Flow. Playfulness involves a lighthearted activity where we are not concerned about the outcomes, not taking ourselves seriously, and letting go of perfectionism. Connection points to a shared experience…yes, we can have fun alone, but it's much more potent when shared with another person. Flow is the state where we are so engaged in the activity we may lose track of time, when we are “in the zone”. When we experience all three at once…we are having FUN! Fun energizes us, helps us be present, unites us, and even makes us healthier. The opposite of fun is not work…it's depression.
Plenty of serious stuff to face in 2024…ongoing conflicts, climate change, elections…and we should do our best to take all that stuff pretty seriously. But maybe we should add in a little fun too. Life IS short…and looking back on it all, I remember the laughs as much, if not more so, than the work. PLUS…I'm a grandpa now. If I don't step up my fun game, I'm gonna get left in the dust!
And seriously…I can't think of a place where I'm more in the fun zone than on stage sharing songs with you. And as previously stated, fun must be shared! I've got some great shows coming up soon with all the links below, including a a gig at Front Porch Music in Valpo, IN with my pal Patti Shaffner, a crazy foursome in Feb with Sammie Hershock, Mike Ward, Travis Atkinson and I at The Stray in Grand Rapids, then on the road to Florida and Ohio…If you know folks in Columbus or Central Florida, please pass this on! And if you get a chance, hit me back with your fav fun activity.
Now. Let's have some fun. :-)
www.andybakermusic.com
Saturday January 27, 7pm EST, 8pm CST Front Porch Music, Valparaiso, IN
-Split show with Songwriter Patti Shaffner
Saturday February 3, 7pm The Stray, Grand Rapids MI.
-Writers in the round with Mike Ward, Travis Atkinson and Sammie Hershock
Saturday February 17, 2-4pm, Winter Park Library, Winter Park FL
-Hosted by Central Florida Folk, Debbie Barnes opening
Saturday March 23, 7pm, Columbus Mennonite Church, OH
-Part of the Columbus Folk Music Society’s Americana/Folk series
Saturday April 28 2-4pm Allegan First Presbyterian Church, preceded by a songwriting workshop with Richard Bair at the Allegan High School from 11:30-12:30 Cabin Fever Concerts
June 7-9 Nor-east'r Music Festival, Mio MI.