By Maci Taylor, Back Page Editor 

As I gaze upon this god forsaken country, I see all-consuming rage, confusion, ignorance and bigotry. People are turning their backs on one another, bridges are being burned and hearts are growing colder. This is not what we once were. What happened to love? What happened to happiness? Most importantly, where did all our silliness go?  

I remember a summer, in the distant past, where we nominated one another to voluntarily dump ice water over our heads as our moms recorded us. We stood there baking in the July sun, with ear-to-ear grins and water tightened clothes, happy that we were able to contribute to a cause bigger than us.

We used to build those whole living room encompassing pillow forts that we begged our parents to sleep in. We spent the night with starry eyes looking up at the pillow ceiling, too giddy to sleep in our architectural masterpiece. Only getting a couple of hours of sleep was worth it in the name of creativity and childlike whimsy. 

How about going outside with your friends to ride your bikes around the neighborhood, having nerf battles in manmade trenches or jumping from couch to ottoman to coffee table to avoid the “lava” floor. There are various childhood memories that may seem ridiculous or foolish to the naked eye, but adults should do the same goofy things today. Yes, these are examples of childhood, but what’s stopping adults from doing the same?

As an adult in American society, I miss those spontaneous times when little silly activities brought in handfuls of joy. We are just too serious nowadays. I understand that the school, work until you drop and then retire pipeline is one that consumes a lot of individuals in America. However, I think this country has forgotten the steps in between. 

In the wintertime, on the walk to your car from your hellish 9-5, instead of getting in the car and slamming the door shut, go frolic in the snow! Go build a snowman in the shape of your boss and then destroy it, or do a snow angel to stabilize yourself. 

Maybe during the Fall before you mow your lawn, make a leaf pile and jump into it. For Halloween, wear your niche costumes that no one knows the reference to. Put your own happiness first and don’t be afraid to go out of your way to make that happen. 

The future of this country depends on individuals’ ability to work to make changes, but also taking a second for ourselves. Bring out your inner child and let your imagination run wild! Everything does not have to be serious with no fun and games. We do not have to let our surroundings dictate how we live our lives.  

Live out loud. Allow yourself space for fun and silly activities. We were all kids once, but that does not mean we have to leave that part of ourselves behind.