For a few years, I kept track of all my expenses and categorized them. I was curious to see if I was wasting money and where I might cut costs. Every so often, I’d total and analyze the results. Instead of finding that I was flinging cash around like a frisbee, more often what I ended up noticing was how pathetic my spending was in categories like Entertainment. For chunks of time, each chunk several months in a row, I spent no money on Entertainment. I realize that you can have fun for free, but I would think, Geez! You couldn’t have gone to one movie, or one museum, or a petting zoo, an escape room, or played mini golf once? Live a little!
Since it’s near the end of the year, I’ve been thinking about New Year’s resolutions, and different approaches that could be taken in choosing one. I get that people aren’t always in a position to tackle a huge goal, they may not want to put in the time and effort to take a class or learn another language, and losing weight already sounds depressing. I’m going to offer that making sure to enjoy life is a worthy enough goal.
Along these lines, pick for your resolution something you’d like to do purely because it delights you. Some examples: listen to each of Beethoven’s symphonies; try every flavor of Ghirardelli chocolate bars; watch every movie directed by Ang Lee; read a top-rated mystery novel; take a bubble bath every weekend; allocate time to putter in your garage; crank up some oldies and have yourself a dance party!
Due to the coronavirus lockdowns, I’m thinking that some people may have done all of these things in 2020. Well, if you did, I hope they brought you joy, and I hope you keep up the habits that made life sweeter.
With public activities being more limited during these times, I would be sure to add some activities you know are achievable, since you may have to postpone the waterpark, concert, festival, vacation, comedy club, card games, and other activities involving groups and crowds. Or, get creative and figure out how to make them happen online, in your house, your yard, as drive-throughs, or what have you.
I think it’s important to sprinkle some fun into your life, even if you have to schedule it in. It’s also worth periodically contemplating what you like, what makes you happy, what excites you, and what you’re interested in, since the answer can change. Then give yourself permission to indulge in and devote time to whatever you come up with. I think the world could use more people who love their lives. Why not be one of them?