Finding Joy - Pt. 3
In part 1, we started exploring finding joy by taking a short walk or detour nearby your home, and part 2 was at home, your mind. Today is about exploring an activity you love.
This blog is part 3 of a 3-part series on the exploration and adventure of Finding Joy. This exploration is a hands-on application to our quest for daily joy.
“Patty, I have NO idea what I like to do! I can tell you what my kids like!” Friend, it makes me so happy that you are taking this time to consider what you like to do! Congratulations on taking the first step, or third, since you’ve been reading since part 1 of this series.
Research (reading) is part of Finding Joy!
Wheels - whether on roller skates or blades, bike or motorcycle, car or truck; the wheel goes round and round. So let’s get your hamster running and start finding joy in an activity you love.
It’s time to get unreasonable!
Who the heck cares! Now is your quiet time; time for sharpies, post-its, and your precious mind!
We have worked with your pen and journal in the past series, and now it’s time to get messy. I love to post its and sharpies. Somehow I’m okay with making mistakes and wrinkling and throwing away post-its. (Side note: It bothers me to rip pages out of my notepad or journal)
Brainstorming prompt # 1
Start writing each activity that comes to mind you used to do when you were a child (Roller skating, biking, climbing trees, playing board games, playing with your doll, reading, drawing, etc.) So as far as unreasonable goes, write down everything. Even if you find it silly to write dolls because you’re wondering what the heck you’re going to find one in your mid-40s. Or roller skates its nuts because you think you have “no coordination anymore.”
What did you like to do as a CHILD?
If you need any prompting through storytelling, read series two here. All right answers during brainstorming sessions.
Brainstorming prompt # 2
Pick the ones that are the most unreasonable in your mind. Yes, the ones you rolled up your eyes. Put them in a different column from the others. Now, brainstorm WHY you used to love this activity from each one.
Example:
“Playing with dolls” - What did you like about playing with dolls? Was it because you love telling stories? Was it because it was your alone time? Was it your time with your best friend or a sibling? Was it dressing your dolls? Maybe you painted your dolls? All right answers.
What was it about this activity that you loved?
You can turn it into your journal, take out your laptop (or typewriter), write about these activities, or keep the post-its. The choice is yours.
Brainstorming prompt # 3
Again from your “unreasonable” column that you went deep into with journals or post-its. What connections can you make and apply to now, your present time?
Example:
Playing with dolls: You might have answered, “I love playing with dolls because I love to tell stories and make up scenarios, and it was my alone time.” A connection can be, “dag, I enjoy being alone, writing, making up scenarios.”
Can you make a plan (scenarios) for a solo trip you’ve wanted to do?
Did I mention that is all right answers? You are brainstorming! Pick an activity and schedule it today. For the example above, travel takes planning, and research is FREE. Where to go? How much? How long until you get off and get the funds, etc.?
I’m very excited for you and grateful you have taken the time to brainstorm. Brainstorming is taking the time and responsibility to choose yourself and go deeper into the things you love to do.
Please drop some of your findings in the comments below. As always, share it with a friend! Would you like to see a video for Finding Joy? Let me know.
Love,
Me.
