daily dose of happiness: responding to your interest and desires in creative doable ways

It is my duty and self-respect to tune-into my inner desires. This is what makes life fun and interesting. We all know this but the modern life challenges us in every direction. It is easy to be swept away. It is even more challenging if you are an over-achiever and high-performing individuals.

Being able to set goals and performing well certainly have advantages but at a cost if your life is not balanced. I had many moments that my days are full of things I “should” do rather than what-I want-to-do satisfying my inner desires and interests. We can’t go on like this in a long term and it is not healthy. We need chances to know get to know ourselves and fulfill the needs of our souls. We will be happier and having consistent dosages of little fun every day. In a long run, we will accomplish things more in more enjoyable ways.

I learned this lesson in a hard way that I need many practices to master building my oasis. What I am sharing with you can seem very little things but everything starts small and branches outward. I hope you are inspired to try your own lists of creative things to do. Changing your routine, a bit feels good time to time. Let’s having fun wasting time a little for fun and cultivating our desires. Please share what you did to spice your days this week.

1. Spice my book searching

I just love to read. I always have a book going. I order books online a lot which is the most effective way to find and purchase books. I still do but ventured out to a used book store, fund-raising book events and swapping books with friends.  The book shopping adventure is fun even though I came home empty handed. You do not always find what you like but I got to look around interesting places that I did not go before. Especially, used bookstores remind my childhood and the excitement going on a treasure hunt. I often found something new treasures such as poems, memoirs and even children’s books. I would love to make a book recommendation in the future if relating to your or my stories. Books are piling up and it makes me happy. Do you have any hobbies making you happy? Spice your hobby a little and share it with us.

2. Buddy time

I love my friends but I do not see them as much as I want. We all raise kids, full-time jobs, part-time jobs, and other responsibilities make getting together hard than before. It is not our intention but it is mostly pure logistics problems for us. Sounds familiar?

I was saving my vacation days to use for holidays, special days and school breaks. I decided to use some of my vacation days to hang out with friends. Yes, let’s waste time a little if it is fun and if it is something I desire. I found myself very creative around this. Taking half-day is sometimes enough or lunch date. I sometimes go Costco together to shop. I hang out with neighbors regularly either chatting on our court or taking a short walk. It definitely adds spices in my life and feels nice to connect with friends that I care about.

3. love farmer’s market

I love farmer’s markets but this may not be available depending on where you are. You can venture out to new stores or places that you never tried to do your weekly grocery shopping. The fact that you do not know what you would find excites me. Just walking around outdoor for a treasure hunt will do the magic for me. If you really want to be effective, farmer’s markets are not the best place to shop but it is certainly interesting. If I am lucky, I find some great organic bread that they baked in old fashions. Again, let’s waste time a little for fun.

4. A small treat on a really bad day

We all have one of those days. It is not fun when it comes. You can be tired, stressed, something happened and the list can go on. Still need to show up at work and do my duty. Still has to be there for the loved ones and myself. Despite of our reasons, we still need to spend our days in meaningful ways at least as much as we can and take care of ourselves.

When you go thru half day, you can treat yourself with a yummy lunch. If you are not a lunch person, treat yourself a latte or baked goods. I occasionally buy some flowers too. Bringing some nature to your area can boost your mood. This is a lot better than being your own victim. It is a small but you have something to look forward to and take a short break. We all need this outlet time to time.

5. Trying anything new

Have a curious mind. Try something new from your grocery store. For me, it is usually a block of cheese, wine, candles and soaps. Try a new local restaurant or a new menu from your favorite place. Pursue new hobbies that are not too complicated. Things that I can do at my speed and my connivence work for me. It takes some courage to try something new but you may miss another your favorite if you do not try it. I can share some of mine if anyone is interested in. Share adventure and even things went wrong! I will still congratulate your trying.