A few years ago, my life fell apart.

I unexpectedly took early retirement, and my daughter passed away suddenly a month later. I was lost; I didn't see the point in me existing anymore. I didn't know what to do with myself.

I had to find a reason for being, and I didn't know where to begin.

Therapy became part of the plan, plus a lot of just thinking. Journaling, meditation, endless searches on Google. Did you know that you really can't find yourself on Google?

Popular advice is to do what you enjoy, what you love. You're retired. Enjoy it!

The problem was, I didn't know what I loved to do anymore. I had been giving my time to everyone else for so long I didn't know who I was anymore.

At some point, I started thinking about my childhood.

What did you want to be when you grew up?

I wanted two things: to write and to be an artist. I could never choose one. I must have spent most of my childhood with some paper and a pencil in my hands.

So I started writing again online and signed up for an art class.

I ran into a friend a few months later, and she couldn't believe the change in me. I was joyful. No other word will do.

Want to add some joy back into your life?

Think about the things you loved when you were a kid, and then do some of them. Forget that you're an adult and play. Go on; have fun!