National Goof Off Day

Today is National Goof Off Day. 

Ever hear of it?

I hadn’t, but thought what fun! 

But then again. I need to be focused. “I am a serious writer, you know….”   I should only be productive. My to-do list will die without constant attention.

But yet the idea kept nagging away at me so I knew I had to find out more.

National Goof Off Day

National Goof Off Day is a day to do something, do anything, except what you are supposed to do. It is a day that is ok to procrastinate and avoid all the musts, shoulds, and needs.

Let’s qualify this – nothing illegal, nothing that would get you fired or divorced, nothing dangerous or would draw you away from your values and your faith. This is a day to take a deep breath and enjoy something. Feed your spirit. Play like a child again.

Researchers have found that a little goofing off is actually good for you as it relieves stress and increases productivity. A silly break enhances creativity, problem solving, and discovery.

I found this interesting article you may want to read called “Slacker’s Guide to Productivity: 6 Ways to Goof Off and Get More Done.”

A sad but true story about me is last fall when I completed a life assessment – actually took two of them – and taking time for things of enjoyment ended up the lowest on my list.  This revelation led to discovering my word of the year: JOY!

During Lent this year, I have been recording my joys each day.  My surprise is the number of times friendship is listed. Now when I am with my buddies – I have new appreciation of those moments – more joy, more appreciation for just being with them, goofing off with them.

“The time you enjoy wasting is not wasted time.”

Bertrand Russell

Here is a new thought: wouldn’t it be fun to goof off with God for a day?  What would you do? I wonder what I would learn about God. And myself. I wonder what God would want to do? My imagination stirred with wild ideas – so here are some suggestions for National Goof Off Day with God:

National Goof Off Day with God

• Take the time to play with God’s Word. Explore a book you normally wouldn’t read in the Bible. Read randomly.
• Grab a book from your shelf and read on chapter. Visit an author you haven’t read for awhile. Write in your journal why those words bring you joy.
• Google some favorite inspirational quotes. Create a Pinterest board to share your insights with others. Make them full of joy. Bring a smile to others.
• Take a walk and find ten imaginative things God created.
• Spend five minutes watching the clouds.
• Tell God all that you are grateful for.
• Be silly.
• Smile!
• Giggle with a little child.
• Play with clay, colored pencils or yarn. When was the last time you used finger paints?  Try the newest rave – adult coloring books.
• Make cookies. Go ahead taste the dough. Take the time to breathe in their wonderful aroma. Share them with a neighbor.
• Free write.  Just start writing about your silliness. What makes you smile?
• Nap.
• Smile some more!
• Watch a movie with no socially redeeming value.  A silly funny one.  You will laugh more if you watch it with someone else who is laughing.
• Go to the park and swing on the swing set.  Throw a Frisbee.
• Dance.
• Sing.
• Spend some time playing with your dog or cat.
• Give yourself permission to waste time for a change.
• Stare out the window. Daydream.
• Chew bubble gum.  How large of a bubble can you still make?
• Go to a photo booth with a friend and take four silly photo making faces
• Find the chalk and play hopscotch on your sidewalk.  Sit on your front porch or the deck. (Probably have to wait till it warms up here in northern Ohio for that, but I do have an indoor porch which I could enjoy.)
• Spend an extra minute or two in the shower. Allow the blessing of hot, clean water pour over you. Remember your baptism and that you are a beloved child of God.  
• Smile!

“The best things in life are silly.”

 Scott Adams

What could you do on National Goof Off Day with God?