Let’s kick off the Funtervention with some . . . fun intentions. (See what I did there?)
Think of something that you might want to do or try this January.
It doesn’t need to be grand. Maybe you want to take a walk in a new neighborhood, or check out a local site that you have never gotten around to visiting. Maybe there’s a class or activity that you’ve been interested in, or a recipe or project you’ve been meaning to try, or a hobby that you’re curious about—or a hobby that you used to have, but that’s fallen by the wayside.
It doesn’t matter what it is; the only requirement is that it be something that feels fun TO YOU (not to your kids, or your partner, or your dog, but to YOU).
Thinking about it should feel light, not heavy. (I think many of our New Year’s resolutions come with a sense of obligation or restriction attached to them; this is supposed to be the opposite.) We’re looking for a sense of expansion. A little bit of nervousness is okay, too, but it should be the kind of nervousness that comes from doing something that you’re also excited about — what my daughter’s 3rd grade teachers call “nerve-citement.”
Bonus points if you a. invite someone else to try this thing with you, and b. tell us what you’re thinking of doing.
For more information on my January Funtervention, check out this post, and for full access, join the Fun Squad.
I want to try so many things that I always end up doing nothing, so I need to start small. I will try do do a daily journal and it can be just one word or a small drawing whatever gives me joy. Starting today :)
I want to try paddle boarding this summer - I live by a river and have always wanted to, but never made time for it - 2024 is the year! I am also desperate to go out dancing more - whether that's a class or hitting a dancefloor somewhere, losing myself in music is something I love, and have lost since the pandemic - I'd like it back in my life!
I’m doing a year-long War & Peace readalong (one short chapter a day so really manageable) and persuaded my husband to join me too. I have never felt so excited about a book. I read the chapter of the day, then go down the rabbit hole of all the other people’s comments on it, then re-read it in light of their comments - such a rich experience!
Get out into the city I live next to (Washington, D.C.) to explore some new quirky aspect of the city I haven't before. I haven't decided on one yet, but the garden (even in winter) at the Franciscan monastery in downtown DC is on the list of candidates.
Anyone have any recommendations for Linda? One of my own favorite DC spots is Planet Word, which is a museum about language. Technically it's a hands-on children's museum, but a lot of the exhibits are fascinating and fun from an adult perspective, too. (Don't miss the secret poetry nook in the library. . . . )
I asked friend to sign up for a zoom course on how to analyze dreams with me, but instead of watching it alone in our homes, we get together and have tea and snacks and watch together
If you live anywhere remotely near northeastern PA, check out Adam Haritan's stuff, creator of "Learn Your Land" (he has courses, as well as free stuff on YouTube, and is amazingly knowledgeable, not to mention a fun character!) https://learnyourland.com/
Playing board games with my kids was fun many years ago but sometimes after playing 10 rounds of Uno with a 5 year old it became a bit of a chore. I’d like to bring the board game fun back by convincing/forcing my husband to play a board game with me today. It’s snowy and -10 degrees in Boulder so seems like the perfect indoor activity.
I want to get back into my Just Dance video games. I got one for Christmas, it brings me joy to dance in my basement to great music. I never regret a 3-4 song session, it's so fun. Want to do at least 3 sessions this month
I want to start writing actual letters again! The postage is ridiculously expensive here in Sweden, but I will do it anyways as some kind of guilty pleasure.
Have you seen Wendy MacNaughton's 30-Day Drawing Habit that she's doing on her Substack? (https://club.drawtogether.studio/ ) Maybe that's what inspired you -- but if not, you might want to check it out!
"It doesn't need to be grand" helps take the pressure off. This January I want to drive out to the beach for a winter beach walk. I love the beach in the summer time and it's a place where I tend to access a feeling of playfulness more easily, but I never go when it's not hot out. I'll probably pick a good restaurant out there in case the beach is not fun so the drive will be worth it either way :-)
Catherine here -- a blank comments section can be intimidating, I'll go first! I'm trying to figure out ways to spend less time in front of my computer screen and do things with my hands that don't just involve touch typing, so I've signed up for a four-week beginner's sewing class. Best case scenario, I meet some new people and learn a new skill; worst case scenario, I come home with a mediocre tote bag. Your turn!
I want to try so many things that I always end up doing nothing, so I need to start small. I will try do do a daily journal and it can be just one word or a small drawing whatever gives me joy. Starting today :)
I love it! Keep us posted :)
I want to try paddle boarding this summer - I live by a river and have always wanted to, but never made time for it - 2024 is the year! I am also desperate to go out dancing more - whether that's a class or hitting a dancefloor somewhere, losing myself in music is something I love, and have lost since the pandemic - I'd like it back in my life!
I’m doing a year-long War & Peace readalong (one short chapter a day so really manageable) and persuaded my husband to join me too. I have never felt so excited about a book. I read the chapter of the day, then go down the rabbit hole of all the other people’s comments on it, then re-read it in light of their comments - such a rich experience!
Get out into the city I live next to (Washington, D.C.) to explore some new quirky aspect of the city I haven't before. I haven't decided on one yet, but the garden (even in winter) at the Franciscan monastery in downtown DC is on the list of candidates.
Anyone have any recommendations for Linda? One of my own favorite DC spots is Planet Word, which is a museum about language. Technically it's a hands-on children's museum, but a lot of the exhibits are fascinating and fun from an adult perspective, too. (Don't miss the secret poetry nook in the library. . . . )
On my bucket list. Thanks for reminding me!
I asked friend to sign up for a zoom course on how to analyze dreams with me, but instead of watching it alone in our homes, we get together and have tea and snacks and watch together
I signed up with a friend for a “mushroom foray” to learn about local fungi and possibly collect edible samples
If you live anywhere remotely near northeastern PA, check out Adam Haritan's stuff, creator of "Learn Your Land" (he has courses, as well as free stuff on YouTube, and is amazingly knowledgeable, not to mention a fun character!) https://learnyourland.com/
Playing board games with my kids was fun many years ago but sometimes after playing 10 rounds of Uno with a 5 year old it became a bit of a chore. I’d like to bring the board game fun back by convincing/forcing my husband to play a board game with me today. It’s snowy and -10 degrees in Boulder so seems like the perfect indoor activity.
I want to get back into my Just Dance video games. I got one for Christmas, it brings me joy to dance in my basement to great music. I never regret a 3-4 song session, it's so fun. Want to do at least 3 sessions this month
I want to start writing actual letters again! The postage is ridiculously expensive here in Sweden, but I will do it anyways as some kind of guilty pleasure.
I also want to send fun post cards! I have a sticker subscription and what a delight to decorate a postcard and send with a message!
Started a daily ritual of 10 mins of drawing.
Have you seen Wendy MacNaughton's 30-Day Drawing Habit that she's doing on her Substack? (https://club.drawtogether.studio/ ) Maybe that's what inspired you -- but if not, you might want to check it out!
That’s the inspiration.
Wendy MacNaughton inspired me to roll down a hill... It's been far to long. Oh, and maybe make some cushion covers.
Get really good at jumping rope!
Play pickleball once a week 🥒🏓
"It doesn't need to be grand" helps take the pressure off. This January I want to drive out to the beach for a winter beach walk. I love the beach in the summer time and it's a place where I tend to access a feeling of playfulness more easily, but I never go when it's not hot out. I'll probably pick a good restaurant out there in case the beach is not fun so the drive will be worth it either way :-)
That's a great idea -- and one that I'd like to try myself!
Learn latte art to make my morning coffee more fun! 😊
Ooh, if you do this, take a photo and share it in the delight chat! https://substack.com/chat/1494477
Catherine here -- a blank comments section can be intimidating, I'll go first! I'm trying to figure out ways to spend less time in front of my computer screen and do things with my hands that don't just involve touch typing, so I've signed up for a four-week beginner's sewing class. Best case scenario, I meet some new people and learn a new skill; worst case scenario, I come home with a mediocre tote bag. Your turn!