In this modern world where productivity is highly valued, what do you do for enjoyment?
Even hobbies are often looked down upon unless they can turn a profit.
It’s easy to feel the pressure that every thought, act and expenditure of time needs to be meaningful or significant.
Do you feel guilty if you do something just for pleasure?
I could bemoan the societal trends that make us feel we have to be constantly productive, but instead, I’d rather share something I do to counteract the pressure to achieve.
It is inexpensive and silly!
About four years ago I discovered the fun of bathtub crayons. Not for my kids, but for me!
I kept them on a shelf in the shower and while enjoying the hot water, doodled on the shower walls.
Using the rainbow of colors, I’d write uplifting quotes and words to songs I wanted to remember so I could sing in the shower. I’d draw simple pictures of sun, stars, and smiley faces.
At first I was a little embarrassed about this activity, but was so delighted when I read a sweet message to me written on the shower wall by my husband.
Something as inexpensive as a set of bathtub crayons brought me so much fun and joy on a daily basis without any pressure to produce something tangible.
Time passed and the crayons wore down. I couldn’t find another set, and quickly moved on to other matters.
While in a store last week I told my husband that I wished I could again start my mornings in that fun, creative way, when to my surprise, I saw a new display of bathtub crayons!
Can you guess how I now, once again, enjoy my showers?
What can you allow yourself to do just for the fun of it?
If nothing comes to mind, buy some bathtub crayons and start your day with a smile!
With love,
Hi Melanie. Thank you so much for your thoughts today. I needed your perspective, I could feel it! I am so hard on myself when I don’t feel like I am accomplishing something worthwhile all of the time. I love your idea of coloring in the shower just for fun. You’re amazing!
Thank you so much Cheree! I know what you mean. It’s so easy to be hard on ourselves! And yet allowing ourselves to have fun would really open us up to more happiness and more productivity really. What an adventure life is! ?