Like quite a lot of other people I know, my early days of paranormal investigating was full of fun and laughs. It was something new and it brought together people with the same interest who seemed to get along. We would hang for the next investigation, not just because it was something we loved doing, but we also loved each other's company and the fun that we knew was bound to happen. I feel like the current climate of the paranormal field almost doesn't let this happen anymore. Are we so caught up in trying to be taken seriously that we have forgotten how to have fun?

We talk a lot about education, critical thinking and all of the tools you need to be the best investigator that you can be. Yes I am guilty of all of this in this very blog! Why? Because I think these are important traits of being a good investigator. The thing is though, it is OK to have to fun as well. In fact if it isn't fun, then why do it? On a recent investigation we had a group of friends attend who were having the time of their life. It was an absolute pleasure to investgate with them. They were fun, the night was full of lots of laughs, and they took the night for what it was, a bit of fun and didn't take anything too seriously. They got involved, a few had personal experiences and there were a few hits on equipment. On their part, they weren't really interested in debunking things or finding the rational explanation, they just wanted a night out with a bit of fun. They didn't want to be educated, they didn't want to think critically and they don't class themselves as paranormal investigators. For them it is a fun hobby. The best part about this is that this is totally OK! There is room in this field for all of us!

You don't have to be a serious paranormal investigator to participate in a paranormal investigation. If you see it as something to do that is just a bit of fun you and enjoy then that is fine. The thing is though, you need to understand that if you are treating it this way, you can't really start a paranormal group on facebook posting 'serious' evidence of the paranormal. You will be torn to shreds in a moment and for good reason. There are a lot of people who have almost dedicated their lives in researching and educating in the paranormal world and to them it is very much everything and a lot more than just a bit of fun. This is OK too. Just remember that a lot of people do take things quite seriously and there is a time and a place for 'fun stuff' and sometimes it isn't in the middle of a controlled paranormal investigation. Pick your moments!  What is not OK for them to do however, is to talk down to you as if they are somehow more important because they take it more seriously.  I see this, I have experienced this and it is uncalled for.  A small few let the research or achievement get to their head and they think they are above others who may not do things on the same level.  Not OK!  I take what I do seriously, but I would never have a go at someone for having a try or expressing an opinion different to mine.  In fact I have had people who have investigated the paranormal for the very first time ask questions that have sparked thought and research.  Different perspectives can be so valuable no matter what a person's experience.  Sometimes a fresh perspective can offer a wealth of wisdom.  I also enjoy a bit of fun myself.  In fact I find a casual environment when I investigate seems to help!  It doesn't mean I am not implementing 'controls'.  It doesn't mean that I am logging my results.  It doesn't mean I am not debunking because if you know me you know that is what I am all about.  I am also all about enjoying the moment.  You can be serious about what you do, but still have fun!

It is about knowing where you sit in the grand scheme of things. It is completely possible to have a balance, in fact I encourage it. You can still be a serious investigator and you can have a bit of fun as well. It is choosing your moments and being real and honest. When I connect with new pages or people across the world they often say my videos aren't that great or I need to work on my page more etc but I feel being yourself and just being you is what attracts me to your page. I quite often throw myself heavily into the world of paranormal. There is a lot of politics and drama and bitchiness and you know what, I kind of need the fun to stay grounded. If it is just so serious all the time and you aren't having fun anymore, is it worth persuing? I care very much what people think of me. I know I shouldn't but I do and sometimes I am trying to please everyone instead of stopping to smell the roses and enjoy the amazing things that I have been able to do. One thing I do know is that I don't claim to ever be someone that I am not. I am not a paranormal expert. I am not here to tell you what you should or shouldn't be doing. I am basically sharing things I am encountering and learning along the way on the journey of being a modern day paranormal investigator. I feel I stay very true to myself and true to my opinion. The one thing that I can say without a doubt is that I try not to be too 'serious' on an investigation. I am often smiling and having a laugh. I know when to shutup and be quiet and I know when to pick my moments. I like to have fun and I like to be able to just be me.

Be real, be honest and be yourself....... and have some fun! Don't forget to smile!

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