It seems that 2009 was a tough year for many people. In talking to people over the holidays, I heard many people saying they looked forward to turning the page on 2009. The economy, illness, deaths of family and friends and pets seem to have taken a toll on us. OK, so what are we going to do? What's going to change things up?

In research for a book I'm writing, I found that Play is very important in our development and in living an active life. Tapping into the instinct that we all have and that we experienced daily as children can help us to see possibilities, be more creative, and experience the joy of moving our bodies in wild, unpredictable ways.

How about we declare the next decade the Play Decade? Let's make it the decade that we harness the power of play that can help enrich our lives.

So now I'll bet you're asking, "so how do we do that?" The following questions may help you in getting started. I'd love to hear from you about what you think of my proposal.

Play It Thought Questions and Suggestions:

Make time for physical play. It’s more important than you may think; how can you put a value on joy and a strong, healthy life?

o How much time each week or month do you devote to this kind of play?

o How much time are you willing to set aside for active play?

Make play a priority by scheduling time for it each week or month. Schedule this time the way you would any other activity. You owe it to yourself!

Need ideas for playful activity?

o Chase your dog around. (Chase a cat and you’ll really get a workout!)

o Play with your children or with kids in your neighborhood. They are ALWAYS willing! Do whatever game they come up with.

o If it’s snowing, build a snowman or igloo. Make snow angels, or go sledding.

o Make a play date. Ask your friends if they want to come and work out with you. Everyone wants to play. They are probably waiting for an invitation.

o Try something new with a friend. Sign up for a dance lesson, do Zumba (aerobics with Latin music), yoga, or take your dog to an agility contest.

o Look in your local newspaper for events or ask around. There are lots of active things going on, and you just need to make a little effort to find them.

Question your self-image.

o List the exercise activities that you associate with your self-image.

o List the activities that you would like to do that are not consistent with your current self-image.

o Pick one of the above activities and ask yourself what it would be like if you did it anyway.

If the implications of doing this activity are acceptable to you, arrange the opportunity and Do It!

Reconnect with play that you once loved doing.

o What types of exercise and play did you enjoy when you were a kid?

o What activities can you do at your current age and in your current situation that have some of the characteristics of the activities you liked when you were a kid?

Pick one of the above activities and try it for a few weeks.