We all engage with play differently. Dr. Stuart Brown, founder of the National Institute for Play, identified distinct play personalities—ways people naturally enjoy and express playfulness. Knowing your play personality can help you reconnect with what brings you joy and make more space for play in your life. Which one sounds like you?
Some people know exactly what would be fun for them but hold back because their inner critic is too loud, filling their heads with doubt and guilt. Others don’t have a strong inner critic, but fun just isn’t on their radar—it’s been so long, they’ve kind of forgotten what it even feels like or what is fun for them. Whether you need to quiet the self-judgment or simply bring play back into focus, the goal is the same—to make room for more play.
In the world of Plex, play is an essential part of expanding your life, but there’s an interesting dance between two ways of engaging with it: scheduled play and serendipity. Both have their benefits, but how do you balance the two to make your life more expansive and playful?
Ever noticed how women sometimes seem to have a hard time letting loose and having fun? It’s not just that they don’t want to—it’s that life seems to get in the way. Between juggling family, work, social obligations, and just the day-to-day stuff, fun can often feel like something that gets pushed to the bottom of the to-do list.
Absurdity isn’t just about being silly—it’s about seeing life through a more playful lens. It’s about choosing laughter over awkwardness, connection over small talk, and curiosity over routine. The next time something unexpected happens, lean into it. You might just turn a passing moment into a memory.
Pay attention to your automatic responses when a new activity comes up—these knee-jerk reactions can reveal a lot about your comfort zone. This list isn’t about judging your answers but noticing patterns. Do you tend to say “That sounds fun!” or “Not my thing” more often? Are there responses that keep you from stretching into new experiences? Try using this list alongside the Plexful activities list to check in with yourself. Where are you open, where do you hesitate, and what small shift could help you be more expansive?
Here’s a long list of Plexful activities to explore—some you might already be doing (good for you!), others might feel easy and natural (go for it!), and some just won’t interest you at all (totally fine). But then there are those that spark a little hesitation, the ones you’d try if someone gave you a nudge or a friend dragged you along. Those are the ones to pay attention to—because a little stretch often leads to the biggest expansion. Take a look and see where your next Plex might be!
Reflect on the activities and experiences that bring you lightheartedness, and excitement, and expand your horizons. Use these sentence starters to explore what sparks your curiosity, joy, and sense of play. ** As you read back your answers, see if there is a common thread between several. You might start with activities along those lines.
Before jumping into something—whether it’s a fresh adventure or part of your daily routine—take a moment to explore the plexibilities, or possibilities. This is about discovering playful, creative, and unexpected ways to approach what’s in front of you. Even the most ordinary things can open up in exciting ways with a little curiosity and plexfulness!
Plex thrives in the space between curiosity, openness, and playfulness. The words we use (think or speak) shape how we engage with the world and influence the way we approach each moment. The following words and phrases reflect the core mindset of Plex—they’re about letting go of limitations, embracing new possibilities, and giving yourself permission to explore without fear of failure.
