Why is it so easy for us to spend time doing things that aren't productive or meaningful?
We get lost in a television series and then we do it again (and then again); we search the internet for something (anything!) of interest; we play computer games; we go to the mall for no good reason. And it doesn't end there, does it?
Over the years, I've spoken to many people that expressed a disinterest in life, telling me that there's "nothing to do." "I'm bored," they say. And more often that not, I've taken time to ask questions about their life and interests and we've discussed the options they have. We don't need to be "bored" all the time because there's plenty to do!
We get lost in a television series and then we do it again (and then again); we search the internet for something (anything!) of interest; we play computer games; we go to the mall for no good reason. And it doesn't end there, does it?
Over the years, I've spoken to many people that expressed a disinterest in life, telling me that there's "nothing to do." "I'm bored," they say. And more often that not, I've taken time to ask questions about their life and interests and we've discussed the options they have. We don't need to be "bored" all the time because there's plenty to do!
Here Are Some Beneficial Ways To Spend Time
1. Spend quality time with the people you love
Enjoy your friends and family. Have meaningful conversations and do meaningful things together. This is vital because no matter how we spend our free time, life will always be a little colorless without them. So drink lots of coffee together and tell lots of stories; become comfortable expressing your truest self and your hopes ... your deepest desires. Be intentional and don't hide.
2. Read something that interests you
Read a book that you actually like. Find articles that'll engage your mind and expand your horizon (news or otherwise). Study poetry. Go to the library. And with whatever you read, do it thoughtfully and take your time. Apply something new to your life and tell someone about it. But there's a lot of garbage out there so be wise. What we read can have a great impact on our lives.
3. Climb a mountain
It doesn't really matter what you do, actually ... just do something active. Go for a walk, throw a ball with your dog, explore the city, see the sun rise, search for a new park, climb a tree, swim in a lake, find something beautiful to tell your friends about and then go tell them (in person).
And while you're at it, exercise. We all know how good exercise is for us!
4. Get to know yourself
My guess is that you're really good at something and that, maybe, you don't know what that thing is. If this is true for you, you're not alone. There are countless people out there with talents that they don't know about. For my friend, Sam, it was volleyball. He started playing during his sophomore year in college and is now playing competitively. And he's amazing! And he genuinely loves it.
So get to know yourself and begin crafting something. Learn how to do something new or rekindle your love for something you once treasured. And then boldly pour yourself into it. It's never too late or too early. Learn an instrument or a language, write a story, draw a picture and then try painting one, try your hand at poetry or use it to build something, start a blog, teach a class, create a program on the computer, make a movie, fix a car engine. There are countless things for us to explore!
We just need to do it!
5. Help other people
Involve yourself in something that doesn't benefit you directly. And not just so you can feel good about yourself, but because you love people and recognize the importance of their life. (Or maybe do it because you want to learn how to love people.)
Adopt a rescue mission and visit often, walk the streets and spend the day with someone less fortunate, raise money for a needy family, help a friend struggling in life, counsel a troubled teen, buy groceries for someone. Begin thinking of creative ways to love people. And don't be afraid (or, even better, do it afraid). You got it! You're going to do great.
6. Share what you like
Starting with the people you know personally, tell us about them! I'm talking about the musicians, the bloggers, the artists, the poets, the innovators, the photographers, the builders, and anyone else exploring their talents and abilities in some way. Let's encourage them, let's support them, let's tell other people about them.
And let's do it often!
7. Enjoy your life
Go to a concert, laugh at something silly, say nice things to people, smile often, explore. Do something dangerous and live a little. Think deeply upon the things that matter. Listen to the innovative thoughts of others (TED Talks, etc.). Relax. Talk about meaningful things. Dream. Become a visionary or take part in someone else's vision. Cut out time to consider subjects and ideas that you normally wouldn't.
And then, share it with us ... the world. We want to know what you're thinking about, creating, and looking towards. Let us get to know YOU!
May we release ourselves - and others - into the fullness of life!
Happy Birthday, blog!
