I think that in life, we’re constantly just waiting. Waiting for the perfect time to go on that vacation, to buy ourselves that special something, or to say yes to something that both scares and excites us at the same time. We play it safe, because we’re okay with how we are now so we don’t strive to do the things we know we’ll love because there’ll be a better time to do it.
Why should we force ourselves to take a break now to do something fun or relaxing or self-healing when we can be working on something? Why should we wait and save it for when the time is perfect?
This past Thanksgiving long weekend, I took an extra day off. It was the first time I took time off from work and I was so excited. I was excited to do a bit of everything I’ve been putting off, things that I know will make me happy. I wanted to make a journal spread, titled “Thanksgiving Bucket List 2020”, detailing my itinerary of fun.
And then I quickly realized how flawed this way of thinking is. Why do I have to save the happy for vacation time or when I’m not working? Why can’t I do that now? Why are my bucket lists only for when I have a vacation?
I did end up making myself this spread and called it, “Bucket List #1” because it’s just that, one of many. Every time I finish it, I’m going to make a new one, full of things I’m excited to try or different ways I can treat myself. Our society overworks us so much that we start to feel guilty for having fun or taking a break. I want to remind myself that I don’t need to wait till I burn myself out to the point I’m so empty and dry of life to show myself some love.
I want to teach myself that loving myself and giving myself little things to do each day for me and not for anyone else isn’t based on my company’s off schedule, it’s something that should be an everyday occurrence.
So here’s a journal prompt for you today, as we dive into winter, a different kind of winter in which a lot of us are probably burnt out, empty, dry, and a bit lonely. Write down five things you want to do that know will make you happy. Paint that painting you’ve been thinking of but been putting off, bake that cake, read that book, watch that movie.
I also want to note that I realize that I’m writing this from a place of privilege. I have a job during this unimaginable time, I was given time off for the holidays, and I was able to take an extra day off for myself. I was able to do these things and write certain things on this spread that I know other people can’t do or acquire because they’re out there working in a world so scary and unpredictable. They’re working while I’m able to rest. And there are people out there who are quite frankly suffering because this pandemic has left them jobless, hungry, and frightened.
So while you’re making your bucket list of things that’ll make you happy, please take a moment to donate or support or even share resources that help your local food shelters or organizations that help those in need.