Who Defines Your Fun?
In our seemingly ever-shrinking world of collective definitions and the human need to be socially accepted, we can forget how being ourselves is critical to our happiness. After all, happiness is established as an individual emotion, not a collective one. However, we seem to ignore, or even reject, what a person or small group defines as being fun. The ostracization does create stress and conformity to engage in activities that aren’t fulfilling. As time goes by, there can be a collective mass of over 50% of individuals that no longer find an activity fun but continue to push it so that they can still be seen as being a fun person.
Let’s examine five points about the individualism of fun:
1. The natural subjectivity of fun- When consciously considered, it is evident that fun is subjective to the individual. A fun activity for one person can easily be mundane to another. Through awareness of this fact, we open ourselves to possibilities that resonate with our values and interests. When that does take place, the trends, traditions, social expectations, and pressures of the collective definition disappear. The removal of adhering to these norms can allow for the pursuit of individual fulfillment and happiness.
2. Fun is authentic self-expression- The uniqueness of the individual definition of fun enables us to be authentic. When we engage in activities genuinely aligned with our curiosity and interests, our self-expression is fostered to a deeper level without judgment or compromise.
3. Fun is essential to well-being- Fear, our strongest emotion, can show up as anxiety, nervousness, doubt, indecision, stress, and a slew of other forms. In any expression, fear is often an expression of a situation created inside of our heads that causes damage. The arch-nemesis to fear is having authentic fun. We prioritize our enjoyment when using our personal definition, meaning the collective stress and potential judgment and rejection do not confine us. We create positive feedback for ourselves to reinforce fulfillment and happiness. This has a distinct effect on our overall well-being to create a life many don’t believe is possible.
4. Exploration is powerful fun- When free to use our definition of fun, we allow for exploration and self-discovery. Far too often, the exploration of life is closed when examined through the collective outlook on life. Stepping into our own fun breaks social boundaries to unlock different perspectives, talents, passions, and interests. There is an element of natural curiosity and discovery to humans that does bring fulfillment and happiness because we enjoy the journey more than the destination.
5. More intimate connections- When confident in authentic self-expression of fun, we will attract those that enjoy what we enjoy. It is in the authentic connections that a deeper and more intimate connection is created. The pairing or even small emerging groups bring that social element humans need. With the connections being more authentic and built on individualisms that happen to align, there is less pressure to conform since it is the uniqueness that brought the connections in the first place.
Fun can be shared in large groups, but it is always experienced by the individual. Understanding that individualistic perception of the experience is what opens up the possibility of diversity, exploration, and discovery. It brings authentic self-expression and personal well-being to life so that we may live a fun, fulfilled, and happy existence.