But I'm Not Done Swinging

Sometimes the best reminder that life doesn’t have to be so serious comes from a playground.

Author

Clay Garrett
October 23rd, 2025 • Estimated Reading Time: 5 minutes

In partnership with:

Morning—Clay here.

Every now and then, something simple reminds you that you’re still allowed to play.

That’s what this week’s Kindling is about. 🔥

But I’m Not Done Swinging

The other day, I was at the park with my kids after school. While they were running from the slide to that spinny cage thing that makes you dizzy just looking at it, I decided to hop on the swings.

Within about ten seconds, I realized something: swinging at 44 feels just as fun as it did at 7.

I had such a good time, I texted my buddy a simple message about how underrated swinging is as an adult.

To my surprise, he replied with his own story about swinging with his grandson:

“He was done after three minutes, and I was all, ‘I’m not done swinging!’”

It made me laugh, but it also stuck with me. Fun doesn’t always have to be a big production or something “grown up.”
Sometimes it’s just getting outside, doing something simple, and remembering you’re still allowed to play.

Lyrics of the Week

❝

We’re just kids who grew up way too fast

The Killers

Somewhere along the way, most of us traded in wonder for responsibility and forgot that they don’t have to cancel each other out. That’s the thing about fun: it’s not childish, it’s human. Every once in a while, it’s good to remind yourself that growing up doesn’t mean you’re finished playing.

On the Road to Rediscovery

Last week, I sat down with Aubrey Johnson on The Road to Rediscovery podcast, and honestly, it felt like the best conversation I’ve had on a show so far.

We talked about a lot of things—my COVID layoff story and how it led me to rebuild life from the inside out, what it really means to teach kids instead of just keeping them busy, and why I think we’ve been too quick to misjudge the parenting styles of previous generations.

It was one of those rare conversations that just clicked—honest, grounded, and the kind that stays with you afterward.

Click the button below to listen.

What I Watched This Week

Sketch (2024)

I thought this would be good, but it was surprisingly good.

It’s a movie about a brother and sister dealing with the death of their mother, who team up with a school bully to outrun children’s drawings of monsters come to life — all while their dad and aunt frantically trek across town trying to find them.

It’s eerie, heartfelt, and surprisingly grounded for such a wild premise. A really solid blend of imagination, grief, and family. Worth the watch.

Until next time—
Keep the fires burning,
— Clay

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