I need to 'Party'

"A life without Play would be a very dreary one" 

As we are currently in a predominately 'work' oriented society I believe the notion of play allows us to escape from our predictable structured life styles and as Nachmen (1979) states allows people to freely enter another reality, unique and self defining; a reality which is created by and exists for the participants themselves.  

Although my activity, 'partying', points to a number of needs I will begin this post by focussing on the essence of play. 

For every individual the meaning of play varies quite drastically, for example a four year old may connect play with make believe games and dress ups, a seventy five year old man may relate play with his bowls team and a youthful 21 year old may consider watching the television as their play time. Clearly this points towards everyones life stage however their is a core similarity which pulls the defining understanding of play together. Unlike 'work' play is unforced, the above examples are evident of exactly that. No matter our age, play is something we all CHOOSE to engage in. Bandura (1962) states play is a tool of socialization, and from a very young age enables us to communicate, and problem solve for future skills.    

Henderson (2010) states play serves a means to relieve stress, and a way to express who we are. Ellis (1973) proposals we need play to function well and interact with our environment at an optimal level. Play essentially creates a sense quality of life, by providing a balance away from work. 

On a personal level, I have a great need for 'partying'. It allows me to connect with family and friends, socialize, celebrate, communicate, as well as  providing me with internal feelings such a fun and happiness, some what euphoric sense of self. Off all the many occupations which fill my life, activities which fit within the 'play' element, I have a greater meaningful connection with, especially 'partying'. Partying is where I have formed countless memories, shared unforgettable moments and from one party to another grown as a person. Without this activity in my life, experiencing play would be extremely limited, the person I am today has been shaped through 'partying' in relation to play.