Name: That Sounds Fun
Rating: 3.9 (7725 reviews)
Author: Annie F. Downs

When was the last time you did something just because it brought you joy?

1. The Magic of Simple Pleasures

Life often limits us to simplicity, but even in small spaces, joy flourishes. The author found that the true essence of fun comes from simple, low-stakes activities. These moments of pure enjoyment remind us of what real happiness looks like.

Reflecting on her childhood, she remembers sitting with her mother and grandmother on a porch, snapping beans as the sun set. This routine, though modest, created an unburdened space filled with love and peace. In those moments, she glimpsed something akin to the carefree harmony of Eden.

Even in global challenges, like the pandemic, people can still seek small joys. Fun isn’t about grand gestures; it’s about clarity and mental freedom—a reprieve from the weight of the world. Whether you’re reading a book or joking with a friend, such experiences are fleeting but impactful.

Examples

Snapping green beans with family on a Georgia farm.
Reading a favorite book while time seemingly stands still.
Sharing laughter with a close friend, feeling the world melt away.

2. Rediscovering the Joy of Being an Amateur

Being an amateur doesn't mean being bad at something—it means doing something simply for the pleasure of it. The author challenges the negative connotation around the word and redefines it as a concept of joy and curiosity.

She reflects on how society tries to push people into professionalizing passions. For instance, when you’re good at baking, people might say, “You should open a bakery.” While well-meaning, this robs the activity of its inherent joy. Turning fun into profit risks stripping it of what made it special in the first place.

Even in serious matters like social activism, she embraces her amateur status. She believes it’s better to start awkwardly and imperfectly than to not start at all. Progress begins with trying, no matter how unpolished the attempt.

Examples

Baking cakes for fun, not to sell.
Discussing racial justice as a beginner, despite making occasional mistakes.
Picking up a musical instrument you haven’t touched since high school.

3. Stop Waiting—The Present Is Your Gift

Many people live in a perpetual state of waiting, convinced happiness will come "someday." The author learned the hard way that postponing joy for the "perfect" future means missing out on the present moment entirely.

For years, she held off on experiences like buying her own home or taking a European trip, tied to the idea they should be shared with a future husband. But after heartbreak and a retreat, she realized life doesn’t wait for ideal scenarios. She decided to embrace her present reality and make joy a priority.

Her turning point came when she purchased and named her first home, Harvest House. It symbolized reaping joy from the seeds she’d already planted. Living in the now became a source of deep contentment and self-love.

Examples

Buying and personalizing a home as a single woman.
Sipping high-quality hot chocolate from a beautiful mug, just because.
Taking a solo vacation to Europe that she previously saved for a hypothetical partner.

4. Hold On to Hobbies, Even When Life Grows Up

Hobbies aren’t just for kids; they remain vital as we grow older. The author underscores how many adults abandon their passions because responsibilities pile up. However, hobbies can offer a much-needed outlet for expression and joy.

She recounts her father’s love for chess, something he gave up for years after starting a family. Later in life, chess returned as a bridge between them, offering a deeper level of connection. Similarly, hobbies can enhance relationships and provide stability during difficult times.

For the author, hobbies became personal anchors. But she also shares a regretful story about giving up the French horn in high school to fit in with peers. That regret taught her to value what she finds fun, no matter how “uncool” it might seem to others.

Examples

Playing chess with her father and connecting to his younger self.
Sharing a chess game with a friend battling ALS, creating moments of joy amidst challenges.
Letting go of the French horn in high school to avoid peer judgment.

5. It’s Okay Not to Always Feel Happy

Fun doesn’t mean ignoring emotional struggles. Sometimes life weighs too heavy, and pretending to be cheerful only adds to the burden. The author learned this lesson during a retreat that promised transformative rest but revealed her emotional baggage instead.

At the Lone Valley ranch, she felt pressured to match her usual bubbly personality but realized she wasn’t being authentic. The retreat leader encouraged her to let go and embrace vulnerability. This transparency opened the door to true healing.

Acknowledging and expressing sadness doesn’t invalidate joy. In fact, by being honest about how we feel, we can find unexpected moments of connection, peace, and even fun.

Examples

Pretending to feel great at a retreat while secretly feeling weighed down.
A retreat leader urging her to drop her cheerful facade and just be real.
Coming home from the retreat with a better connection to herself and her faith.

6. The Healing Power of Connection

Shared fun creates bonds and strengthens relationships. The author found that fun doesn’t have to be expensive or elaborate; it often arises in small, meaningful exchanges.

Snapping beans as a child deepened her ties with her mom and grandmother. Playing chess allowed her to see new sides of loved ones, even in challenging circumstances. These connections grounded her and reminded her of what really matters in life.

The beauty of these moments lies not in their activity but in the quality of time spent with others. Fun is amplified when it involves connection.

Examples

Laughing and talking on the porch with family during childhood.
Experiencing a deeper bond with her dad through chess.
Creating joyful moments with a friend suffering from ALS.

7. Let Go of Perfectionism

Fun flourishes when we stop demanding perfection from ourselves. The author’s journey involved learning to relax and embrace imperfections, whether in an activity or in her personal life.

Perfectionism often kills spontaneity and joy. By allowing herself to make mistakes and figure things out as she went, the author found greater fulfillment in her ventures.

This lesson extended beyond hobbies and into deeper aspects of her life, including tough conversations about topics like race and relationships. Trying, even imperfectly, is better than standing still.

Examples

Baking cakes and accepting that some might not turn out perfect.
Writing her first book without knowing if it would succeed.
Embracing awkward conversations on sensitive topics rather than staying silent.

8. Fun as a Glimpse of Eden

The book ties fun to spirituality, suggesting moments of joy are glimpses of divine peace. The author connects small, serene activities to the idea of the Garden of Eden—an existence untouched by shame or worry.

Laughing with loved ones, immersing in a book, or savoring a meal can feel transcendent. These moments act as reminders of what it feels like to exist in harmony and without stress.

For her, fun became more than entertainment—it became a spiritual practice of gratitude and mindfulness.

Examples

Reflecting on the Eden-like simplicity of snapping beans in childhood.
Feeling timeless joy while reading a captivating story.
Experiencing serenity on a quiet morning walk.

9. Admit What You Truly Need

To fully enjoy life, we must be honest with ourselves about our desires and feelings. Burying emotions or avoiding vulnerability only keeps us disconnected from what truly makes us happy.

The author learned that fun isn’t about pleasing others or meeting expectations. It’s about discovering what nurtures your spirit. Admitting her heartaches and needs gave her the freedom to tailor a life of joy.

This honest self-assessment allowed her to let go of waiting around for a life she thought she should have and instead embrace the life she actually had.

Examples