In our daily lives, as we go through this adventure together, we find we have to do a whole lot of things to make a whole lot of other people happy. Those of you with families know exactly what I mean. You folks with real jobs are constantly doing things for your bosses, and maybe even coworkers, that you’d really rather not do. You article writers have surely experienced typing 400 words or more on a subject you don’t particularly like. You fiction writers have written things for other people, or done edits, that you’d really rather not do.
So, what do you do for yourself? Keeping yourself happy is a pretty important part of retaining your sanity. It’s a big deal to treat yourself once in a while. I’m not talking about the occasional ice cream cone, or watching a TV show you may enjoy, although those are nice. I mean, taking a few *hours*, at least, and doing something you really enjoy, just for you. Trust me, your “self” will appreciate it.
Take you to the movies if there’s a flick you would like to see. Read an awesome book all alone sometime. Take a really hot bath, and when the water gets cold, drain some of it and fill it back up again. Wrinkly fingers mean a happy self. Maybe call a friend or family member you haven’t talked to in a while. That kills two birds with one stone, because both parties end up happier. Maybe set aside a few hours every week with your favorite hobby or, if you don’t have a favorite hobby, take a few hours and discover one.
What do *I* do to keep myself happy, you ask? Oh, I make sure I have “me“ time. I read, I weld, I rebuild BMX bikes, I workout, I listen to music and play in a band, I hop in my Jeep and hit the trail, I write a short story, I play pool, I’ll drink a few beers and socialize, I play chess, I watch movies with the lady in bed at night. All of these things are great escapes from the terrible “I don’t want to do it” monster. And it works. I find that as long as I have something to look forward to, tasks become more bearable. If the only thing that was happening every day was me becoming more miserable, I’d find a way to change that, and fast. It just isn’t worth it.
What are some of the things you guys and gals do for your “self”? I’m always open to new ideas. Although the daily routine and having to make a few dollars does get in the way sometime, it is absolutely essential to stray from the main road and see the sights. It really is.
6 comments:
I have no problem curling up with a book when I have some spare time.
I do take that time. I give a lot and take care of those around me, but I make sure that I'm having fun, too.
I LOVE playing with my grandkids--they are amazing little people (and I'm not at all biased) and being with them is pure joy. I read, I write, and I swim every chance I get. I turn on the radio or pop my iPod into the player and I sing along--happily and rather off-key, and it makes me happy.
My “T” Post
We don't often have a lot of time to ourselves, rarely have time to just relax and watch movies, and don't have money to spend on days out either, but we do love to go out for nice country walks and to enjoy the countryside together. Then at least life is more tranquil.
I write to keep my sanity. And I docent at an observatory in the summers. Can't wait until Memorial Day weekend! :D
Nice bumping into you.
I really like this blog post. The best advice I ever heard is "Pay yourself first." Not advice meant to become a financial doofus, but to remember yourself in the midst of everything else. Thanks for the reminder!
I've always been a big reader. When I was a kid, I LOVED fiction. I basically had a dual citizenship in Narnia, Redwall, and, when I had to, the real world. I read my copy of Prince Caspian so many times the book actually split in half.
For some reason, I found myself reading more and more non-fiction and less fiction in my teens. Lately, however, that's been reversing, and thankfully so. I guess as I venture into adult life I'm regaining that desire to escape, albeit for different reasons than when I was seven and vibrating because I was waiting in line for Brian Jacques to sign my copy of his latest Redwall novel.
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