My daughter Johanna sent me this photo from her Halloween at college – she dressed up as the character Yzma from the movie Emperor’s New Groove. Seeing that picture stirred up memories of all the Halloweens from her childhood when - thanks to the creativity of our amazing Nanny - she became Charlie Chaplin, a swan princess, a cheerleader, and an adorable Little House on the Prairie girl. I did not dress up, but seized the joy of answering the doorbell to freezing little trick-or-treaters with my dog Beanie as the primary greeter. Though the weather outside was frightful, we went through more than 16 bags of candy!

Earlier on Halloween morning I was delighted by the costumes worn by the Today Show team. And I started to think about how few of us adults know how to have that kind of fun anymore. Sometimes I will ask a church leader I am coaching, “What have you done for FUN lately?” Usually I get a blank look in return. Most people cannot think of much beyond going to a movie or watching sports. When we were children, we simply told our parents, “I’m going out to play!” And we did! I had no problem having fun as a child. But these days, I allow my agenda, my work, my focused reading, my many relationships, my serious obligations to consume all my time. And when I do have leisure time, I generally numb out in front of the television in front of my favorite shows.

I want to up the Fun Factor! So let me ask you a few questions along these lines:

When was the last time you laughed so hard your stomach hurt?
When was the last time you surprised a friend or family member and captured them for a trip to your favorite ice cream place?
Do you play any games besides the ones on your IPad?
Can you find a way to shake up your routine?

Next Halloween, I want to actually dress in a costume – and put my dog in one too! But between now and then, I hope to be more of a fun machine, finding ways to usher in joy to my home and to my circle of influence whenever possible. Will you join me in the FUN campaign