One day I noticed some posts coming onto my Instagram feed about things to do for the month. I would save them in a bookmark folder I created called Months. Maybe I would do a few during the month.
A couple months ago there were a bunch of things to do in summer. Multiple accounts giving daily things to do, adventures to have, whimsical whimsies. I did a few more things. It was fun to add things to the to do list that weren’t stuff that had to get done.
Then September came.
Oh my goodness, it seemed like every account got the memo and was telling me what I could eat, watch, clean, and listen to. How I could be cozy and have fun every day. How I could really celebrate the starting of the fall season. Ways I can spice up my week. Romantic ideas and September side quests. Fun things for over Labor Day weekend, family fun nights and ways to romanticize September.
This time I felt smothered. I am already working, caring for a 5-year old, going on playdates and trips to the library. Then home, family, friends, exercise & maintaining things. Now trying to figure out how to get insurance with my husband not being able to work.
I started to feel pressured to have so much fun and be whimsical. To make sure everything is romanticized.
And I looove the concepts of fun, whimsy and romantic. But, my whole life doesn’t have to be this way. It takes way too much energy. I can put dinner on the table without candles. Some days I can dress in jeans and a shirt. I don’t need to go on an outing or have a side quest every day. My life does not have to be optimized and fun to the point of suffocation.
I brought out a rhythm I used to use regularly. Every morning, I would think of one thing I was looking forward to. Sometimes it is already planned. Other times I think of something I long to do. And if I don’t come up with anything I can check out my Months folder in Instagram for 1 thing to look forward to :).
For this past week, Monday was camping, Tuesday was reading, Wednesday was talking with friends at Bible study, Thursday we went to the library and tonight I had a rare evening by myself. Tomorrow I’ll Groove at the park and go to the farmer’s market.
So yes, let’s add fun to our lives. Let’s find things that make us come alive and make life fulfilling.
But, don’t make this one more “should” on a long to do list. What feels sustainable to you? What can you do without pushing and striving? Happy September!
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