No Time to Recreate? Stephanie Hanson Tackles Your Objections
“You don’t know when you’re going to have more money, more time, you don’t know when the kids aren’t going to have sports…”
It often feels hard to choose what to feature from our interviews with our guests. Do you focus on inspiration or get sappy? Is the focus a life event or is it just a discussion of the interview? With Stephanie Hanson one can go deep on experience, life design and wisdom but really what struck me most is that Stephanie Hanson is a woman intentionally living her values. She’s a role model for all of us who struggle with alignment. When you feel the objections to following your heart, prioritizing your family or finding time to recreate creeping in, we ask you to take a breath and ask yourself, “What would Stephanie do?”. Our wise sister has some advice for you.
Objection 1: “I don’t know how!”
Stephanie says, “Ask for help.”
Stephanie shared with us how asking for help will serve you. She’s been in some tricky situations and humanity shines. Vehicles breakdown, weather can be rough, sometimes you just feel out of your element- there’s no shame in asking for help. Most people enjoy sharing their knowledge and resources to help a human out. She’s reaped the benefits and has made friends around the world because she’s asked for help when she’s in need. It’s worth noting, asking for advice/help from others works in daily life too :)
Need help getting outside? We’ve got you. Contact us, we can help!
Objection 2: “I’m way too busy!”
Stephanie says, “There’s value in doing nothing.”
This sage advice has a name, it’s called “niksen”. It is a Dutch lifestyle concept where you are idle and do things without purpose. Think listening to music or just looking out a window. Take it a step further and sit in nature (without your phone). The key is to notice your surroundings. What do you see, hear, smell, feel? And if this sounds bonkers to you, we’d ask you to reconsider. There’s real value in this practice. Looking to enhance your creativity, increase problem solving abilities, reduce stress or improve your physical health? Niksen helps. Time Magazine and the New York Times agree with Stephanie too.
Objection 3: “Ok, actually my kids are too busy.”
Stephanie might ask you how you spend and prioritize your time as a family. Overscheduled kids are often a reason parents have no time and it’s also a bigger deal than we think. Just like parents, kids experience burn out, exhaustion, anxiety and worry from high expectations. Stephanie suggests we consider whose ambitions fuel your “busy” weekends at sports complexes and staying at crappy hotels. She and her husband made a concerted effort to develop and deepen their family’s relationship. Her daughter did NOT participate in summer sports (did your heart just drop to your stomach?). They prioritized down time at the cabin rather than spending summers in sports complexes dreaming of college scholarships for their kid. Think about assessing your schedule and consider prioritizing some time in nature with your family. It can be as simple as a walk outside (without devices) or with some planning, car camping can be an inexpensive and fun way to reconnect as a family and give your kid a break.
Objection 4: “There isn’t enough time.”
Stephanie would like to remind you that one day that actually might be true. At 42, she was diagnosed with Stage 3 breast cancer. At that point, she decided to listen to what called to her and designed her life around adventure and travel. She’s sailed in foreign lands, spends much of the summer in Northern Minnesota, and has that enviable “van life”. Take a look at her Instagram, you’ll see she’s created a career and business that lets her life speak. She’d like you to seize the day. Life can turn on a dime. It’s time. Now. If you’ve programmed yourself and family so much that “busy” is all you know, trust us, try a little nature.
It’s worth noting that Stephanie is a powerhouse and a self-proclaimed workaholic. Might her super powers come from unplugging so often and filling her time with life-giving outdoor experiences?
At We Do This For Fun, we encourage you to embrace what’s calling to you and ditch the objections holding you and your family back. Skip the tournament, game or practice and try something outside instead. Find a park bench without your phone. Sit quietly. What do you notice in your surroundings? What do you notice in yourself? If you need help, ask. Tips and tricks are our jam! We would love to help you ideate, plan or just consider your next outdoor experience. Stephanie is here for you too- give her a follow @stephaniesdish.