Self-Exploration

So... I'm not sure what I enjoy doing.  Don't get me wrong, I know a number of things I enjoy doing.  The list seems small and I often get stuck in boredom wondering what I can do to bring enjoyment to my life.  I have been seeking meaning, and I am trying to connect with myself to find the meaning.

There are actually a lot of things I think I would enjoy.  There are many things I want to try.  Sometimes I even sit down and make lists of the things I want to do.  And then I look at this big, overwhelming list and don't know where to start.  I also make excuses--I'd have to have a lot of time to do that.  I don't have the money to try that right now.  I don't want to do that by myself.  I can't do that without someone showing me how.  You get the idea.

So I am trying to figure it out.

I have revamped my list, and this time I am trying a couple of things.  I tend to go into things all or nothing, but I'm slowing it down this time.  I want to try to clicker train my dog (and maybe my cats too!).  So I bought a clicker and some treats.  You start really slowly, and I started today.  I also wanted to go buy some seeds, plants, and soil to start up a container garden this weekend.  Unfortunately, my funds are a little tighter than I'd like so I really don't think I should make a large investment in gardening just yet.  So instead of completely giving up (as I have been known to do!), I'm going to start clearing a space on my back patio for the containers, start planning what I might like in the garden, and maybe purchase one packet of seeds.  If I buy seeds here and there then it may not get ridiculously expensive.

Here are a few more items from my exploration list:

• Meditation/Mindfulness
• Photography
• Hiking
• Write a short story
• Costuming
• Falconry
• Learn to draw
• Furniture restoration
• Travel
• Illumination

Interestingly enough, several of the things on the list require no investment except time.  I guess it's about finding the momentum to try something.  Maybe I will set up a play date with myself once a week to try something new.  This is perfect idea for Sundays--something to offset the Sunday Blues!

I'll let you know how it goes!

Adventure Sunday

My first Adventure Sunday didn't turn out quite like I had planned.  Normally my husband sleeps during the day--he works at night.  Today he woke up early and we took the family to see a movie--"How to Train Your Dragon 2."  It was excellent!  We really, really enjoyed it.  Afterwards, we handed the kids over to my mother and then hubby and I went and saw a second movie!  It's been years since I've seen two movies in a row.  We saw "Edge of Tomorrow"  It was entertaining.  I was pleasantly surprised.  The trailers for it suck, but the movie was fun.

I didn't really do much for myself alone, but I was glad for the chance to spend some time with my family.

Planning An Adventure...

I have decided to conduct an experiment for my life.  I know of an activity in counseling that asks the person to imagine what her life would be in a perfect world.  What would a day look like?  What would she do?  And then the person is asked to do it--live a day in that perfect life.  

I did kind of type up a day in my life to see if I could fit everything in.  It didn’t work out so well…

What about trying to live a little closer to what I want my life to be like?  

So I’ve chosen Sundays as my day.  I am going to choose at least one activity to do for me.  I am also going to make an effort to be healthier on that day.  What would I eat if I was living my best life?  I’m going to make an effort to exercise, or at least be active.  I might go for a walk or go swimming, or simply get outdoors and take a stroll.

I am going to document my little experiment and see where it takes me.  I have named this experiment, “Adventure Sundays.”  Back when I was an undergraduate, some friends and I had an ongoing “date” where we’d go have fun.  Sometimes we’d go eat a meal, or go roaming campus--we even went to the zoo.  We called it, “Adventure Friday.”  I could use a little adventure in my life...