Taking a break from normal

Our lives are filled with routine.

Not for children mind you, as children often live fascinating, imaginative existences with monsters under the bed, super powers conjured out of basic science and entire fictional realms built from the depth of the adolescent brain. Children are less encumbered by reason, logic and responsibility and for that they get to experience the daily joy of discovery and are not limited by what the tangible reality may actually be.

Growing older we become wiser, and more grounded which essentially means we lose that sense of play.

We don’t allow ourselves to ponder what that shadow on the floor of our moonlit bedroom might be. We rather accept it as a shadow and remain restlessly consumed by the grander concerns that only a sleepless adult knows.

Our adult lives are filled with the Monday routine of when to get up to get everyone out of the house on time, and knowing how that differs from the Tuesday routine.

We have reminders of birthdays sent to us, so we don’t forget our mother’s or brother’s or cousin’s special day, rather than actually remembering why Sept. 19 is significant, or that it is Sept. 19 at all.

We’re busy, distracted and much too often just trying to get through the week so the weekend can be ours again. It’s not bad — in between the comings and goings are moments of serenity, strength, growth and mentoring. But it is, without question, routine.

I’m a firm believer in breaking from routine. I think “normal” is necessary in order for you to be taken seriously in the business world, but it is not necessary for all aspects of your life.

When it comes down to it, we all have to work, but we all don’t play enough either.

There is an inherent joy in playing, and if you play more, I guarantee you will be happier. If you’re happier, you will be better at work, better at home and better at life.

Thus, this is the reason the chamber director does community theater, sings karaoke and wrestles with his dogs — because play is good and we need more of it.

Remember that when you see pumpkin carving this year, or bobbing for apples, or haunted houses. Remember to take a break from normal, every now and again.

The Southern Midcoast Maine Chamber just announced its next “not-normal” event, as we will have the 2016 Shot in the Dark Glow Ball Golf Spectacular on Oct. 15 at Mere Creek Golf Course.

This is a nine-hole tournament with a 12-team maximum and it is $45 per player, which covers your glow ball, greens fees, cart and buffet. We intentionally kept the price low as tournaments go. We want to make a 7p.m.tee time the one-of-a-kind experience we know it will be, and we want to make it affordable for most golfers.

This is something that anyone can do with their friends and you don’t have to take it too seriously. Come out and play.

Team slots are going fast, so if you are interested contact the SMMC for a registration form or for more information call (207) 725-8797 or email us at executivedirector@midcoastmaine.com.

It should be a nice getaway from the routine and something you won’t forget.

DON’T MISS THIS WEEK: The Brunswick Fly-In, this Saturday, Sept. 24 at Brunswick Executive Airport. Planes will begin flying in around 8 or 9 a.m. and will be around until about 2 p.m. Should be a great time for families to come out and see the many different planes for this free admission event. Also there is nothing routine about this many planes in one place. (Are you sensing the theme, yet?)

DON’T MISS NEXT WEEK: Chamber After Hours, Wednesday, Sept. 28 at Habitat for Humanity’s ReStore, 126 Main St., Topsham, 5-7 p.m. We will see the office space available there, experience the ReStore and see how it works, take a facility tour and mingle with 50 or more local business leaders. For more information, contact the chamber. It’s a great way to network in your community.