Rediscover the joy bringer

Last year was a Feat of strength.

With relocation, major financial and practical challenges. A feat of strength that I managed well within my means. But the joy fell by the wayside. I've just managed to get it back.

One way is to get involved in more Practising mindfulness. Being where I am. Perceiving things, taking them in. I wrote about this in the Down to Earth newsletter, which you can read here. subscribe here which I highly recommend, because I always pass on a bit of passion and inspiration.

Another way is to rediscover things that bring me joy. On my current rediscovery list are

• Play table football. I can't do it, but it's a lot of fun.
• Skiing. At the weekend I was back on skis for the first time in over 20 years - and I loved it.
• Read. I actually always do that. But since I switch off the computer pretty consistently at 6 pm, I have a lot more time for it. And the work still gets done.
• Go jogging. I'm still not sure whether I'll really enjoy it... but a short run is just good for me. By a short run I mean 8 - 10 minutes. You don't have to stress yourself unnecessarily. And short sprints train the body better than long jogs.
• Drawing. Every morning I draw an object. Every evening I draw the highlight of the day.
• Try out household recipes. This is where my ecological soul comes to life. Whenever I run out of a cleaning agent, I do some research and then make a substitute myself from a few basic ingredients. Window cleaner made from vinegar plus warm water, washing powder made from chestnuts (just chop into small pieces, add water, after 8 hours you can use the brew for washing), laundry scent and descaler made from orange peel (super primitive: just put it in a net with the laundry) etc. This not only saves money, but is quicker than shopping and fun.
• Sort things: That's good for me, as long as it's not too much. I enjoy 10 - 15 minutes. The shoulder-high mountain of „I could read this at some point“ papers from my old office is slowly melting away.
• Nice to look at: Standing outside or at the window and looking at the winter beauty of things just feels good.
• Visit exhibitions. The first attempt recently failed - because half of Berlin had the same idea. But I know that I love inspiration.
• Go to the cinema: Wow, I hadn't done that for a long time. It was really good as a replacement for the exhibition.

Sure. Everything costs time, energy and some money (except for the cleaning materials, which save money). But I'm looking forward to rediscovering and experiencing life.

And you? What would you like to do (again)?