Doodling Fun

Finding a hobby is always rewarding.  For many, hobbies are discovered during their youth as an outlet for energy or creativity.  But what happens when we grow up?  If you’re like me, you’ve found you’ve lost some of your hobbies due to time and monetary demands.

Well, this weekend i rekindled with one: drawing.  I was writing a story and it made me think of how cute the character would be when sketched.  So I went out, grabbed a sketch book, and returned home to start doodling.  And what fun it was!  Rewarding, imaginative, invigorating.  I highly recommend reconnecting with an old hobby-flame if the spark has maybe run a bit cold.  It’s good for the soul, and you may just find yourself smiling a little more, too.

A Movie Pick Me Up

It’s official.  If you’re having a down-and-out kind of day, the best way to pick yourself back up and feel good about the world again is to watch Rudy.

That is all.

Prepping for 2020

Happy New Year everyone!  A few things learned to help you prepare for a spectacular 2020:

• Sign all paperwork the long way - 2020 - and not the short way - 20 - because "20" is too easy to forge into another year like 2017, 2018, etc.

• Take inventory of what house work / improvements you need done for the year and the estimated cost.  Keeping your house in order, just like a car, helps keep its longevity so it works for you.  Skimping on repairs and maintenance only hurts you in the long run.  Find out how much you'll need for the work you know you'll need to do and start working to put it away.

• Have a pet?  Have a pet fund.  Just like kids, your pets need vet checkups, toys, outings, and other mental stimulation activities to keep them happy and healthy.  Be sure you have a fund set aside to do just that.

• Pick 1-2 health goals so you stick to it.  Instead of specifics like "work out exactly 45 min 3x a week" keep it broader to "work out multiple times a week," or "go on a diet" to "eat foods that are good for me" or "eat whole foods."  It'll allow for life flexibility and for you to be able to positively praise yourself for staying 'on goal' instead of berating yourself later for "not sticking to it".

• Plan for pauses in life.  I read somewhere once (can't remember where now) that to help maintain life balance and sanity, this family started implementing the "1 a ____" rule.  1 hour a day just for yourself, 1 day a week to do something just for you, 1 weekend a month with no plans (tell everyone you're already "busy" and just "do you" instead), 1 week a quarter with no plays (maybe a vacation or staycation).  It helps bring about needed pauses to life and recenter yourself.  We've been doing it for years now, and it absolutely works.  For those weeks when you start to feel overwhelmed you can say "just two more weeks until I have absolutely nothing to do for the weekend".

Happy 2020!