Here we go

Here we go. Fun month!

I have to admit, it feels insane—a bit obscene, even—to be focusing on fun when so much is going to pieces, when many are in danger. It feels self-indulgent and tone deaf, like there must be more important things to do (and there are!).

But I never intended this as an excuse to walk away from hard things, I view it as a way to help us walk through the hard things. This is fuel.

I have some proof of this now, because I failed to do my fun thing on Monday.

I was busy—and I had done two fun things on Sunday, so I thought I could get away with it. But I could feel the difference. I went to bed feeling sadder and woke up more scared than I had been in the days prior.

I’m now thinking of these bits of fun like vitamins—a daily dose of Vitamin Fun is needed right now to be in better mental health. I’ll take them as long as I need to.

But let’s answer some questions:
How to figure out what is fun? If you’re out of practice, how do you do it?

Here’s the thing: everyone’s idea of fun is different. Isn’t that cool?

You may be feeling blank on what sounds fun right now. If that’s the case, I suggest you do some brainstorming (I’ve written about this here). Ask yourself what sounds fun and write down whatever comes. Don’t question it, just list it on the paper. You can think about it later.

Or, think of the last time you really enjoyed yourself. Or consider what you loved to do when you were a kid (rollerskating, bike riding, arts and crafts). Or, if you’re still coming up blank, crowdsource. Ask friends what they think is fun. Or do a little googling (I liked this list the best). You won’t like every suggestion, but there might be something there that surprises you.

One word of caution: do not dismiss anything. Don’t stop or self-censor. Don’t tell yourself something is too weird or unacceptable.

I had an experience this weekend that surprised me. I realized this challenge was going to start on Imbolc, the traditional Celtic holiday of early spring. I know a little bit about the day, but not much.

I realized I would consider it fun to spend 15-20 minutes researching Imbolc. The idea made me feel energized and a little giddy.

In a prior phase of my life I might have dismissed this—I would have told myself it was too nerdy to be considered “fun.” Too much like work, not rah-rah enough. (What even is rah-rah, anyway?).

But I know myself better now. I know what I like. And this is the sort of thing I like.

I know that one of my very favorite jobs I’ve ever had was doing historical research on Downton Abbey-era British life, when I was hired to write about the series for my local public television station. I’m a big historical research geek. I loved it.

So, yeah, I may be the only person who thinks this is fun—but I do. I really do.

If I can give you any advice, it’s to go and find what geeky thing you feel is fun.
It’s out there, I am sure of it.

I hope you are getting through the week, this month. It’s a lot. When I start feeling like I am drowning, I know it is time to go take a bit of vitamin fun. I hope you’ll join me.

I’ll be posting my first week round-up of fun stuff on Saturday. Feel free to share in the comments. I’d love the know what you think is fun these days.

All best,

—Tara

Something else to enjoy: my books