As we enter month 5 of life in a Covid world, I suspect I’m not the only one who feels a bit aimless and frazzled by the stress of it all.
To help me feel more settled and in control of my life, I’ve decided to make a “To Enjoy” bucket list. I mentioned the “To Enjoy” list a few months ago in a video, then promptly forgot all about it.
In short, it’s a list of joyful things to do and enjoy, the polar opposite of the prescriptive and chore-like “To do” lists we put together every day for work, house jobs and errands.
This list is intended as a self-indulgent, personal way to remember to take care of yourself. There’s no guilt and nothing owed to others, this list is completely, utterly for your own enjoyment.
Rather than make a monthly list, as it’s July 1st today (Happy Canada day, Canadian buddies around the world!), I’d make a summer list, taking me to the end of August, and perhaps even until my mid-September birthday, where I’ll draw up a new list of grand plans for the last year of my 30’s. (OMG!)
This list might evolve as I think of new ideas, but so far it looks a little like this:
- Have a lovely, leisurely anniversary day date with Andrew next week, making dim sum while drinking Japanese sake.
- Continue my endeavours into making my own bras; It’s felt very empowering, and I feel like I’m starting to find my groove and fit, which is exciting!
- Make the time to publish a couple of blog posts; I really enjoyed the “Make 10” art challenge, which involved doing a little crafty project every day, and I’d like to immortalise that into a post.
- Take lots of pictures even though we’re stuck at home; There’s lots of beauty around here, and it’s worth remembering this highly unusual year for what it is.
- Allow myself to clear older craft supplies, even though it feels wasteful or like I’ll need them someday. They’re cluttering my brain and workspace, and kids in the village will have a blast this summer with new craft supplies!
- I’ve said it before, but I want to take advantage of what nature is providing; From eating as many blackberries as I can when the enormous bramble bushes in the field ripen, to discovering which garden weeds are in fact edible and tasty (yes, mom, I’ll check before tasting random garden mushrooms…), as well as going for walks in the gorgeous countryside that surrounds us.
How do you plan to spend your summer? Are there any particular things you can do to make it truly yours, even with the chaos surrounding us?
Along The Lanes 