It’s easier to get philosophical gyaan about ‘aisa karo, waisa karo’, but now What actually to do and what should be the first step we take is one question that needs to be actually answered. I would not be the best person to do so but can share my experience.
Here is what I did in a F.O.C.U.S. approach to actually enhance my learning and happiness quotient.
Exercise with a seven minute routine at home and with no special equipment. Just trying to become regular and not unnecessarily giving excuses of lack of time.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.popularapp.sevenmins
Started working on some Online Courses for new understanding and keeping up with what new learning is needed for the future.
https://policonomics.com/lp-welfare-economics1-general-equilibrium/
Baking with limited resources. It is one of my passions, but I have always never pursued it. Have loads of recipes and most of the time am trapped in overflow of info. Also I can’t eat much of my goodies myself or stuff my dear old family, so have started learning about new easy techniques and small portion quantities. Also experimenting with baked snacks and savories instead of sweets.
Tried some of these ones that turned out yummy. Do try.
https://www.parentcircle.com/article/how-to-make-microwave-mug-cakes-in-2-minutes/
Decluttering My Mobile phone and apps have been a blessing. Have just made this really really difficult decision a priority. During this time I have chosen only one family group, one friends group and official groups to check in the morning and during the day. All videos on others groups are usually same repeats and as is don’t want to overdose on negative ones. Deliberately Breaking the Chain by not forwarding such videos. Saves so much time and also gives mental peace.
Made a Family Tree, an absolutely fun activity, as I got hold of parents, cousins, extended family and was surprised how little we knew except for their ghar ke naam. Everyone was so thrilled to connect.
*Don’t have Photo albums since mobiles took over cameras and have just resulted in a nasty bit of craziness. So looked for sites like www.canvera.com that create albums, sorted pics that were special and now will have memories recorded in a fancy way and later to enjoy. Cleared a lot of memory on the mobile for new adventures too.
Snuggled up to my mother and reheard Old Dadi Nani stories, it was an experience in itself as my bond with her became more beautiful as she relived her own mother’s stories and our childhood. There were loads of hugs and happy laughter. Also have given my Ma a task to write her special recipes for me to make, and they are enjoying doing so ((tho’ I know I will hardly make them or live up to her expectations)).
Pestered our parents, and siblings and relatives to reveal their school and college days scoops. It was so hilarious to know how different or similar their naughty antics were. These are memories for life.
A simple message on mobile to wish on birthday and Anniversary is somehow so easy but have made a list of who all would love to get Greetings cards, or beautiful quotes on special occasions and wrote a message and downloaded special and hilarious greeting cards and cake images for them from various sites on a calendar style. Now just waiting to surprise them.
Ideas about the way life could be made easier or more rational or more interesting or resolving issues that are within my purview have always taken a back seat or got scattered on different handwritten pages. Now I have just kept a diary and box to put them in and the sorting process has begun, keeping track of whether any one idea can become an innovative startup model. At present am focussing on just one SME idea about waste textiles and trying to learn about issues involved and the way ahead. Keeping it practical and simple, one initiative at a time.
We have been an avid travelers without a chronicle, so have started work on a travelogue, just realized that we have visited some really exotic places, amazing names, have had wonderful adventures and now as new places will overshadow the ones in the past I should start recording them sooner than later.
Learning a Song Medley for those impromptu gatherings and picnics with family and friends, as have always wanted to be an active participant but mostly don’t remember lyrics or rhythms, so sit on the side and clap ((boohoo)). Found an easy one and am practising.
Relearning some Dance Steps for current times, earlier had been a jazz and contemporary dancer but had stopped so now just learning some latest hook steps to keep up the fun quotient. Came across this cute one the other day.
Color coded clothes and accessories with a downloaded colour pallette. Now I am clear as to which colors are actually missing from my collections, and what I should have new. So looking forward to the next Shopping spree, ((being an economist have to bring the Multiplier effect back in play asap, ha ha)).
Please go ahead and create a list for your own interests. It’s just to say later ” Been there, Done that”
Just enjoy n have fun.
Be good, Do Good