In my own life I may often forgo “fun” for more serious activities. It just seems more natural for me to do that. But, when I am involved in a leadership role, for example as a handbell director, I make having fun one of the top priorities. (Of course, that would be having fun while they are in fact working very hard. But I have learned how to mix the fun with work, sometimes even disguising the work as fun.)

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Creativity is intelligence having fun.

— Albert Einstein (1879-1955) German-born theoretical physicist

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But what is fun exactly? The American Heritage Dictionary gives this definition of fun: 1. A source of enjoyment or pleasure; amusing diversion 2. Enjoyment; pleasure; amusement.

After reading this definition, I am relieved and surprised. I often mistakenly think that fun has to be . . . well, playful, or funny, or joking around. And, fun is often thought of as being unproductive. I had narrowly defined fun as simply an amusing diversion—as mere silliness. 

If the definition of fun is: a source of enjoyment or pleasure, then surely singing, learning, and studying—anything—could be categorized as “fun.”

Synonyms for fun are: celebration, rejoicing, gladness and joy. If fun is enjoyment or pleasure—maybe I have been having more fun than I thought! I had thought “fun” was like the commercials—playing volley ball at the beach or going to Disney World . . .

Have fun today. Sing, study, learn, celebrate . . . whatever is fun for you. Serious activities are fun!

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Nobody looks stupid when they are having fun.

— Amy Poehler (b. 1971) American actress, comedian, writer, producer, and director