Chase the Fun

100 Days to Discover Fun Right Where You Are by Annie F. Downs

Author

Scott Johnson
March 18, 2025

❝

When you chase fun, joy follows.

— Annie F. Downs, Chase the Fun

Fun isn't just for kids—it's a vital ingredient for a fulfilling adult life.

In Chase the Fun, Annie F. Downs invites us to rediscover the joy we've lost in our busy schedules and prioritize experiences that bring us delight in our everyday lives.

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SMARTEST TAKEAWAYS
Why Fun Matters

1️⃣ Fun as Medicine: Downs describes fun as "medicine for a sickness we all have." In our achievement-oriented culture, fun is the antidote to burnout and disconnection that we desperately need.

2️⃣ Present-Moment Awareness: Chasing fun requires us to be fully present where we are. The book's subtitle—"Discover Fun Right Where You Are"—reminds us that joy doesn't require elaborate plans or distant destinations.

3️⃣ Connection Through Play: When we engage in activities we genuinely enjoy, we connect more authentically with others and ourselves. Fun creates space for vulnerability and genuine relationships.

INSIGHTFUL EXAMPLE
From Obligation to Delight

Alex's calendar was packed with responsibilities—work deadlines, family obligations, and community commitments. Each day blended into the next with little distinction or joy. After reading Downs' provocative question—"What do YOU find fun?"—Alex realized he couldn't immediately answer.

He began small, setting aside 15 minutes daily for activities that once brought him joy: sketching, listening to vinyl records, or simply watching birds at the feeder. These moments of intentional fun gradually transformed his outlook. The responsibilities remained, but they no longer defined his entire existence.

By day 50 of his fun-chasing journey, Alex noticed something surprising: his productivity had increased, his relationships felt more genuine, and his stress levels had noticeably decreased. Fun wasn't frivolous after all—it was fundamental.

BOOK FACTS
Chase the Fun

  • First Published: August 2, 2022

  • Print length: 223 pages

  • Listening length: 4:20

  • Ratings: 4.7 Amazon, 4.1 Goodreads

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TED TALK
Why Having Fun Is the Secret to a Healthier Life

EDITOR’S NOTE
Music to Spark Joy

My wife is pregnant, and lately she has been playing music while she showers to surround our baby with sound. It’s a small thing, but I have to say, it’s brought me so much joy!

— Scott

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