One of my favorite exercises from Brene Brown’s book, “The Gifts of Imperfection” was creating a “Joy and Meaning List.” It really helped me align what I was doing with my life with what brought the most meaning and happiness. As my good friend Carole tells me, it is important to focus on activities that raise your energy. This list was especially helpful as I debated what to do with downsizing and making a big leap with my career path. I have had this list below since last fall and then decided to add a few more tonight.
- Connecting with others
- Enjoying wine with friends
- A nice cooked meal
- Inspiring someone with a new perspective
- Learning something new
- Traveling to Europe
- Beautiful mountain scenic views
- Davidson athletics
- Coffee shops
- A casual walk
- A mid-afternoon nap
- Running with friends
- Being with my family
- Taking Brooks swimming
- Any activity with Brooks…
- Helping kids and young people
- Music…especially making a new mix
- Sharing ideas and being inspired
- Creating space for other people to embrace their authenticity
- Feeling loved and appreciated
- Writing my blog
- Living a life full of purpose
- Dancing…usually in a “unique” way
- Question games at dinner or Catch Phrase
- Getting to know someone at a very personal level
- Making an impact
- Being outside in the sun
- Hiking
- A healthy meal
- Eating at a nice restaurant
- Working out especially at an exercise class
- Making homemade pizzas
- Making someone laugh or smile
- A long bike ride
- Being a positive example for my younger brother
- Reading a great book
- TED videos
- Being around my Let Me Run boys at Nations Ford Elementary
- Protecting people’s access to information…a Library
- Laughing at my own jokes
- Tailgates and sporting events
- Live music
- Being there for a good friend
- Trying a new recipe
- Being present with others
- Encouraging people to do what they love
- Cultivating a sense of wonder and being in the moment
- Having a larger perspective with my life
- Intentionally trying to make someone’s day with my words or actions
- Being grateful for what I have
Well those are the ones that came to mind, and I am sure there are many more. I would love to hear what some of yours are! I invite you to share at least three that would be on your list in the comments section. Have a great week.
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
Your number 40 made me laugh so much! Thank you for being my good friend too. Here are 3 activities that raise my energy and make me REALLY happy: 1) working on my cartoons at home listening to my favorite french radio, while my daughter and my husband are around me reading books! 2) walking by myself in the nature 3) Dancing!
ah, I love it Carole!!! Thank you for sharing!