Where to find this idea:
Where to find this idea: Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals by Oliver Burkeman
Ever noticed how time seems to zoom by the older we get? When we’re kids, everything is fresh and new, and there’s a world of discoveries to be made and goals to be achieved. But once we grow up, our lives become a bit predictable, and the list of new experiences to pursue becomes shorter. You’ve graduated, found friends, landed a job, tied the knot, started a family, and traveled to your favorite destinations. So, what’s next?
The go-to wisdom is to keep adding new, exciting experiences to our lives. What we often overlook is that novelty can be found in the mundane.
How do we go about it?
First, we need to accept the idea that a good portion of our lives will be filled with routines. It’s perfectly okay not to always be in the midst of new experiences.
From Routines to Rituals
Since many of our daily activities are routines, we can work on transforming routines into pleasant little rituals. This makes the mundane a source of joy and satisfaction.
Rediscovered Curiosity
Children have a natural sense of curiosity. They want to explore all the little and ordinary things, but as we grow older, this trait tends to wane. Our genuine curiosity can bring novelty back into our lives. Ask questions, seek to understand the world around you and nourish your beginner’s mind.
Mindfulness
We can embrace mindfulness as a way to discover novelty in the ordinary by trying our best to be fully present in the moment. Whether it’s savoring a cup of coffee in the morning or taking a leisurely stroll in the park, we can pay attention to the intricate details and appreciate the beauty that surrounds us.
Gratitude
Gratitude is also a powerful tool for finding joy and newness in every day. We can train ourselves to appreciate the small things that often go unnoticed. From the smile of a loved one to the beauty of a blooming flower, these moments of gratitude can infuse our daily lives with a sense of wonder.