HI, HO, HI, HO

Work has been described as something you have to do and play as something you want to do. But the distinction is not always that clear cut.

What is work and what is play? Are there times you're more tense and strung out on vacation than on the job?

Have you had times you would rather be in a performance review with the boss than playing a friendly game of horseshoes at the in-law family reunion? (The preceding was an extreme example.)

To muddy up the meaning of work and play even more, your want to (play) may well be someone else's have to (work). Speaking in public was my "want to," and considering it's one of the top fears of adults, I can only assume it would fit snugly in most people's "have to" category.

Activities are activities and just that. What beliefs you bring to those activities determine whether for you they're work or play. If the activity exhilarates you, if for you it's full of excitement rather than excrement, what do you care if it's called work or play?


Lesson: Work is not always work, play is not always play, and the lucky ones can't tell the difference.