These are things that have helped bring me joy, fulfillment and a deeper appreciation for the way God works in my life.
1. Reading
Whenever I talk about my love for reading I can feel my hair turning gray. Growing up my reading consisted of sitting in front of a TV for multiple hours reading the deals on infomercials I had seen hundreds of times (you can't beat the Magic Bullet). When I started to get in to my faith I realized there was so much I didn't know. I slowly started to buy some books and I realized my love for the Lord grew because I was able to understand Him more. It doesn't just have to be religious books, but getting in to the habit of reading for leisure and not for homework is always a rewarding feeling. You get to grow in knowledge of something and it helped me actually feel productive in my life. Instead of telling you how many things you can put in the Magic Bullet, I can bore you with what Pope Liberius said to the Arians in the 4th Century. Start reading for leisure a little bit every day. I'm no scientist, but I believe it will help you with your mental health.
2. Structure
It's amazing how much a structured
life can bring physical, spiritual and emotional stability. Imagine
that. (Work on your eating, sleeping, praying, working, leisure, etc.)
3. Sick Fellowship
Finding hobbies in your life that involve other people is always a plus. I thought of some random examples in my life that have brought a lot of joy and good conversations. Since I don't "sport" well, these examples might seem odd. The first is frisbee golfing (I see your doubt, just let me explain). Frolfing is a nice way to get outside and do something without being in shape. Not only that, but you get to be with another person for an extended period of time and have a solid conversation while enjoying nature and finding discs you threw in the woods.
The next is actually Fantasy Football. There is a theme in these hobbies of not being in shape (you literally watch other people play sports). I just started this last year but it was a way for my family to connect since we live all over the US. It doesn't have to be Fantasy Football, but some kind of activity where you are able to talk trash (charitably of course) and do something as a family is always nice. It also made Sunday a day to relax after we had gone to Mass and watch our players constantly disappoint us.
Go out to eat with friends and just sit there and talk. Make this a weekly routine.
4. Comfortable Furniture
I don't really have to say anything about this.
5. Coffee
Like I said in my last post, I gave up
coffee for Lent so this is hard for me to talk about. This was
something I forced myself to like. I just started telling myself that I
liked black coffee and drank it every day. My relationship with coffee may or may not have gotten a little unhealthy.
Luckily I learned how to limit that to just one cup a day. It's so nice
to sit back and drink a nice cup of Joe and think about the deeper
things in life. You don't have to drink coffee, but if you don't I'll probably judge you.
6. Gratitude
Looking back on my life I often realize how much I took for granted. The way my parents raised us to be children of faith and discipline. The Catholic education I received. Food. Clothes. Being born in 'merica. There are so many things that are just great. Be thankful for the little things throughout your day and recognize where these come from. This will help drive out negativity and bring peace to your life.
7. Not Being on the Internet
This is ironic because I'm on the internet right now and you are reading this on the internet. Close this browser right now and go do something. The internet is such a black hole. Those space phones are ruining our ability to have normal conversations with people. We can't sit for an hour without checking it. It's like our security blanket for avoiding conversations/ awkward situation. Embrace awkward situations. Go out and talk to people.
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