As the summer took off and both my daughter and husband were around more, I gave less focus to my Happiness Project…
In May, I was meant to be focusing on PLAY, in June it was FAMILY, and July was CREATIVITY. Since the summer was kind of one big chunk of time, I allowed these to overlap… August is LOVE, and that is on-going, and seeps into everything else— as I spend time with people I love, and do activities that I love.
For PLAY, Rubin asks what sort of activities give you a ‘happiness boost’ and what you like to do for leisure. She asks what you did in childhood for fun and what you consider PLAY… games, imagination, art, cooking, pets, or physical exertion? To me playfulness suggests lightness, silliness and ease… things that make me laugh or smile, or that I can do whilst chatting… card-games, hula-hooping, aerial stuff in the studio, riding my bike, blowing bubbles- things that are better enjoyed with others. While I love reading, I don’t consider it play, though discussing a good book with a group can be.
As a person who has struggled with depression most of my life, I have always tried to manage that with humour and lightness when I can— bringing a sense of play into life can lift my mood. I like being with kids and animals, dancing in my kitchen and trying to bring a smile to others. So, this summer we’ve played a lot of games- cards & UNO, ate popcorn and ice cream, and shared funny stories while walking. I bought more bubbles and wind-chimes, as they bring a playful whimsy to my life, and wore bold, playful clothing whilst on holidays. I cycled and kayaked and did outdoor yoga in sun and rain. Much of this I did with my FAMILY, which was June’s focus. My younger daughter is home from college and we visited our older daughter- filling the time with fun, food & togetherness. My CREATIVITY has been sparked by visiting museums, a play and a musical and enjoying live music, going to new places with different landscapes, foods and customs and spending time with a variety of people. I got a new tattoo, I painted 2 small rooms of my house and have been working away on my book project, as well as my Retreat plans for October. I saw my creativity come to life with the success of the July Retreat, and love creating flower-arrangements from my garden, writing haikus and learning new things. I took a few short courses and enjoy figuring out how I will integrate my new learning over the upcoming months.
I also enjoyed our YOGA DAY event in June, which was a creative, fun event with some of you.
Other than spending time with my immediate family, I also tried to be in touch and make plans with my own family in the US, and spend time with my extended family. Living far apart often means that those relationships don’t get enough attention, so I am trying to correct that, and be in more regular contact.
All in all- these 3 categories are some of the easier ones for me… I seem to prioritise and choose creativity and play already as important things in my life. I know they bring me happiness, a sense of contentment and comfort. Since Covid, I hadn’t really been attending events as much as I used to, so that is what the project made me realise, and has pushed me to make the effort to book the tickets, see the shows and enjoy other peoples creative endeavours, not just my own. A play, a musical, a comedy show or an open-mic, an art exhibition or even a film… they are worth leaving the house (or town) for.
Going forward, I am making sure to schedule in my own personal creativity time, and scheduling time to regularly touch base with family- near and far.
As August continues, I am focusing on LOVE. Check in again to find out how focusing on love- whether it be towards a sweetheart, family, friends or strangers can boost your happiness and improve your life!
If you haven’t read about the Happiness project, go back to former posts for more info and links. Join me in finding more happiness in life!
Images above: 1) a joyful, talkative group dinner on our Portugal Retreat 2) a nostalgic and fun toy that brings me back to my youth (in my daughter’s house) , 3) a fun visit to a contemporary, interactive art museum, 4) I love taking silly pictures– this light post inspired me to jump and pretend I was being blown away 🙂 5) Outdoor yoga at Lough Rinn, and 6) playing in my hammock in the studio….
