I’ve always been drawn to many things – art, writing, theater, music, dance, reading, travel, hiking, medicine, eastern healing therapies, painting, plants, animals, yoga, bar and restaurant scenes, costume making, film, exploring cities and so much more.
I never truly mastered one thing – I found myself drawn to so many things, I could never sit in the stillness with just one desire for too long. It is a part of myself I learned to love over the years, and the reason why I am able to do what I do now. I used to admire and be in awe of those masters we see, those who have poured dedication and countless hours into taming a talent, technique or discovery.
But did you know – MASTERING something you love does not necessarily bring you happiness on a scientific level?
The brain becomes bored and starts to yawn – yearning for something new to stimulate it!
Now as we are all quarantined – I am RELISHING in my multi-tasking, scatter-brained, multi-talented self!
We are all finding a new approach to life and finally able to pursue all the things that we have been putting off for so long. Some people, I am finding, are freezing and have NO idea where to start! Their day-to-day was so solid, so streamlined, it can be overwhelming trying to figure out how to pass the time or what new thing to pursue.
I have been taking courses with Chris Croft, a professor and speaker in the UK that focuses on businesses and happiness.
He highlights in one of his presentations that happiness and fulfillment comes from not mastering one specific hobby, topic or task that you love, but LEARNING from a task, hobby or a curiosity evokes happiness.
That’s right – your brain deep down doesn’t give a shit how good you are at something, it just wants to be challenged and learn from the things you are drawn to!
He advises that most people will experience joy from trying a bunch of different things in ONE day. I have advised this as well in the past and cannot stress it enough!
If you find yourself bored, jump from one project to another.
Here are some ideas from me and my dear friends when you find yourself stuck:
Learning new cocktail recipes
Puzzles ( Rubik’s Cube to crosswords to puzzle pieces!)
Taking an online class (I am taking THREE right now!)
Cooking
Finding things to fix or clean up
Making playlists
Taking pictures outside
Playing new video games
Learning a new instrument
Take a walk but go down different streets and neighborhoods and look at all the different houses, sights, sounds and smells
Creating online polls and voting brackets with friends (my friend created one on bands and musicians on Facebook and it has been a nice distraction!)
Refurbishing old furniture (sanding by hand is very soothing!)
Meditating with soothing music videos
Learning to read tarot cards
Learning new stretching techiques
Repotting plants and growing seedlings for spring (new things to come and so soothing)
Painting pictures for friends
Sewing or Knitting
Painting on literally anything (rocks, tables, bowls, etc.)
Practice your script and write a friend a letter
Making costumes for pets (so funny and adorable!)
Updating your website (learn coding, SEO and more!)
Find new online communities to be a part of
Start learning simple phrases in different languages
Creating a sanctuary area in your home for de-stressing (Feng shui anyone?)
Learn to create online content
Take a dance class online
Frame and hang art and photos around the house
Learn how to speed-read
Learn exercises to improve memory
What else can we add to the list? What is helping you in these times?