On the journey to becoming a productive member of society I had to compartmentalize my inner child.
During my early schoolboy years, he waited patiently for the school day to finish so that he could finally resume his creative and playful pursuits.
As the education became more involved, he had to wait a little longer because of homework.
In university, the complicated assignments, group projects, and late night study sessions meant that he would often not get to let loose until the weekend.
The full-time job, commute, technical projects, work politics, and other adult responsibilities really did the biggest number on him though. Sometimes he would go without playing for weeks, or months at a time.
Today it’s as if my adult mask has adhered permanently to my face and I can no longer access him at all.
After losing my best friend and business partner who died from cancer, and avoiding a burnout by an inch, I started taking medication to even my mood.
A few weeks later, the video game Starfield came out. I remember telling my wife “It’s the first time in many years that I’m actually excited about something, and really looking forward to having fun”.
Starfield was made for my inner child.
Having a blast out in the settled systems?
Lots. I survey planets just because.