Food, Water + Play

I recently read a book (ok listened to on my iPod, which totally still counts...shut up) that had chapters narrated from the point of view of one of the main characters...a German Shepherd (the dog, not a sheep herder of Germanic descent...). In one description about the dog's justification for why she loves her handler, she rationalizes that he gives her food, water and play and for that she is completely devoted to him. 

What struck me was that play was its own category and as important (to both the dog and me) as food and water. Play is such a great word because it can mean so many things and each of those is different for each person. For me, play would range from sports, to writing, socializing, cooking, reading, vegging out or any number of things. Play is also a state of mind. When I am in a good mood I find myself enjoying some of the most ridiculous things like turning a compost pile, or driving a vehicle I suspect is plotting to kill me. There are many more examples but I think the point is that play is a state of mind and feeling playful is just as vital to our survival as food and water...and the myriad of other things I would add to my list...

• Food
• Water
• Play
• Iced Coffee
• Internet
• At least 7 devices to access said internet
• Shelter
• Transportation
• Sports equipment
• Friendship
• Spell checker...

There are probably a few more things vital to my existence, but what an interesting thought to look at what little you would require to not just survive, but to be happy. If anyone provided me with the things on my list, I would probably be devoted to them for life...be they dog or sheep herder...

So stop reading and go play! 

Wait...now stop reading.