I had read somewhere to keep a list of things one enjoys doing, in order to reference them whenever inspiration is lacking or time is abounding. Lately I find myself regularly thinking how the routine of wake up, work, eat, and go to bed, is so draining. I have addressed a few times how tiredness keeps us from doing things that fill us up and leads to fatigue, and even shared how 10 minutes can get us moving in the direction we want. I have also brought up how we need to give ourselves grace and allow ourselves to vegetate when needed.
There is a quote that states that we aren’t tired, we are just empty of the things we love. Every Sunday, when I get a report of how much time I spend in front of my phone, the high number makes me realize that I already have the time to enjoy the life I want. When I started thinking of the things I like doing that do not require a screen, it is easy to see how for me, productivity is part of having a successful day.
Here are a few things that make me happy and don’t feel like work:
- Baking: I don’t always enjoy cooking a meal, but baking is so much fun for me. It doesn’t involve raw meat or chopping vegetables. There are many simple recipes that turn out delicious. The end result is usually very enjoyable. I can indulge to my heart’s content and share with others. Everyone wins!
- History documentaries: This does involve screens, but learning doesn’t count as empty screen time in my book. A good documentary satisfies my desire for entertainment while feeding my brain with knowledge. I usually stick to the 19th century and onward.
- Decluttering: Cleaning is something I get done because I detest dirt even more, however, clearing your space gives me a rush and sense of accomplishment. It makes me feel good to keep only things that are of value to me. This is the cause and effect of getting to know myself better, day by day. Decluttering forces you to ask yourself questions about your shopping, collecting, using, and cleaning habits. The more I know about myself, the more prepared and comfortable I feel in life.
- Walking: I do wish I would do this more. Being outside and going for a brisk walk makes energy flow through me. It has been proven that this exercise is good for your brain to process and come up with ideas. At times, going out helps me liberate stress and pain. The accompanying process of thinking gets me more in tune with myself.
- Meeting friends: Connecting with people over a meal is always fun. Being on the phone or text can get very mundane, but chatting over the dinner table brings new topics and laughter. Even as an introvert, this is one of my favorite things to do overall.
Typing out this list leads me to think of other things from my day-to-day that I enjoy doing. I should probably allow enough time to savor these little errands:
- Painting my nails
- Doing my makeup
- Doing laundry (not folding)
- Doing my daughter’s hair
- Lying on my made bed
- Cleaning my shower
- Wearing perfume
- Ordering groceries
- Finding new recipes
- Listening to an audio book while cleaning
The moment will come when I will have to come back to this post to find something that will make me feel renewed. In order to waste less time, I want to do more of what I have shared, and look forward to how doing more will make me feel by the end of next year.
How does your list look like?
Thriving in Simplicity 