There’s something oddly playful about popping bubble wrap. One moment you’re opening a package, and the next you’re standing there completely distracted, pressing those little pockets of air like it’s your job. No instructions, no fancy tools, just that simple, satisfying pop. It’s silly… and kind of wonderful.
Lately, since the weather’s nice and I’ve been walking more, I’ve started noticing all the Amazon packages sitting on porches. It seems everyone is ordering stuff, including me! The bonus is that a lot of what I order arrives cushioned in bubble wrap, and every time I open a box, I can’t help myself. I must pop it. I don’t know what it is about bubble wrap. We just can’t seem to resist it, no matter how old we are.
It starts with the sound. That crisp little snap is like a mini dose of satisfaction. Each pop delivers this weirdly perfect sense of completion. It’s not world-changing, but for a split second, it feels like a tiny win. One pop leads to another, and suddenly you’ve forgotten whatever was stressing you out five minutes ago. There’s something about the texture, too, the way the bubble gives a little before bursting. It’s oddly comforting. No goals, no rules. Just pure sensory satisfaction. With so many demands on our time, attention, and productivity, that kind of pointless joy is refreshing.
What I love most is how universal it is. Kids dive in with zero hesitation. Adults might try to play it cool, but give them a chance, and they’ll be popping right alongside the kids. Even our pets are interested when they hear the noise and some have been known to walk on it purposefully to make the popping sound. It’s a shared silliness we don’t need to explain, and maybe that’s part of the charm.
Bubble wrap reminds us that not every activity needs to be useful or serious to be worthwhile. It gives us permission to pause, play, and feel something simple and good. It’s not profound, but sometimes, neither is joy. Sometimes it’s just plastic, air, and a few seconds of letting yourself enjoy the moment for no other reason than because it feels good.
So, the next time a package arrives, don’t rush through it. Take a second. Pop a few bubbles and feel the joy. Maybe even the whole sheet. You’re not wasting time; you’re simply pausing to enjoy one of life’s simplest pleasures. Before you know it, you might just find yourself shooting watermelon seeds off the back deck! 😊
“We don’t stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing.” — George Bernard Shaw
What’s something simple that brings you joy, maybe even something a little silly? I’d love to hear it. Share your favorite small pleasure, pass this along to someone who could use a smile, or better yet… surprise a friend with some bubble wrap and see what happens.
Have a great weekend.
Vijay