Springtime Shenanigans and the Secret to Staying Young

There’s something timeless about laughter echoing through the yard on a spring afternoon. This Easter, as my adult children darted across the grass in hot pursuit of brightly colored eggs, their joy was unmistakable. What started as a simple family tradition has become a symbol of something far deeper: the power and importance of staying young in spirit.

What Does It Mean to Be Young in Spirit?

Being young in spirit isn’t about pretending you're twenty or ignoring responsibilities. It’s about keeping that inner spark alive—the one that says yes to fun, yes to adventure, and yes to wonder.

It looks like laughing until your stomach hurts, being willing to try something new (even if you’re terrible at it), or finding joy in the little things—like chasing brightly colored plastic eggs across the lawn with your grown kids. (More on that in a minute.)

People who are young in spirit stay mentally flexible, emotionally open, and full of life. They bring energy to the room. And here’s the best part: research backs up how good it is for us.

Why Staying Playful is Seriously Good for You

🧠 Sharper Brain – A 2021 study in Psychological Aging found that people who maintain a playful, positive outlook on life actually perform better cognitively as they age. That sense of lightness helps keep our minds adaptable and alert.

❤️ Better Physical Health – A youthful mindset is associated with lower blood pressure, healthier weight, and more physical activity, according to findings published in the American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry. Why? Because play energizes us. And people who enjoy life tend to move more.

😊 Emotional Boost – Play and laughter trigger the release of dopamine and serotonin—your brain’s natural “feel-good” chemicals. Staying young in spirit literally makes you happier, less stressed, and more connected to others.

Our Easter Tradition That Brought Everyone (Including Us) Pure Joy

Now, let me take you to our backyard this Easter Sunday. For those that know the Michel family, you are familiar with our love for games, competition, and adventure. These loves cut across all parts of our lives including holidays.

Our kids are grown now—fully launched into jobs, relationships, and grown-up life. But some traditions are too good to let go of. The annual Easter egg hunt is one of them.

This year, my wife took it to a new level. Instead of candy or coins, each egg had a letter inside. They had to find all the eggs, unscramble the letters, solve the riddle, and then use that clue to find their hidden Easter baskets.

-- For those wondering where the baskets were hidden - well, the entire house, including the garage, was in play. In fact, one of them may have been under the garbage bag in the garbage can (LOL). --

Watching our grown children strategize, sprint, laugh, and argue about which letter goes where… it was magic. They were all in—competing like kids, teasing each other, and getting wonderfully lost in the moment.

And the joy? It wasn’t just theirs. My wife and I couldn’t stop smiling. Seeing them play, seeing them light up—it brought us as much happiness as it did them.

It reminded me that these are the moments that nourish our youth—not just in spirit, but deep in the soul.

The Takeaway: Make Room for Play

Whether it’s an egg hunt, a dance party in the kitchen, learning a new hobby, or just being silly for no reason—never underestimate the power of play.

Being young in spirit helps us live longer, love deeper, and enjoy the ride. It makes us better parents, partners, friends, and leaders. And the best part? It’s never too late to start.

So, the next time life feels a little too serious, take a breath and ask yourself:

What would the young-at-heart version of me do right now?

Then go do it.

Joy is ageless. Let’s chase it—plastic eggs and all.