For the Busy & the Bored…

When you move to a new city and are without your usual routines and people for the first time in 8 years (like I am), you suddenly have more time and space to figure out what brings you joy. I’d been asked that big picture question, “what are you passionate about?” for much of my life and always came up empty in terms of the answer.  I think that part of the problem was that I wanted that thing to be something “change the world” lofty.  When I recently “got real” as Dr. Phil says and really thought about what I spoke animatedly about to friends on a regular basis, about what I looked forward to besides time with friends and loved ones, it hit me – it was the little treats I gave myself throughout the week to keep me going.  A great suspense, historical or contemporary fiction novel that took me somewhere I’d never been before and made me think about something in a new way or that maybe made me feel deeply.  A new, amazing food discovery or taste sensation.  A binge-worthy TV show that no one else was talking about – yet.  In this busy life of mine, it’s been the little things that mean a lot to me — that have allowed me to relax, unwind and breathe in and appreciate all the other beautiful and messy parts of my life.  That’s where this blog comes in…

Everyone could benefit from something they can access anytime, anywhere, for a quick pick me up.  My goal with this blog is to provide regular, short, varied suggestions for treats to get you happily (or sanely) through a busy week of the typical or mundane “to dos” in your life. Every week I will recommend at least one easy access treat — a great book to start reading, a yummy (hopefully) low-guilt treat to cook or bake, an escapist TV show, a movie you’d never have watched on your own, an activity that will brighten your day — whatever brings me easy access joy, will be shared with you in the hopes that it brings you the same.

And sometimes, for me, joy is something that I experience when I improve things in my life or the lives of others; it can be something that I experience when someone or something gets me to look at the world in a different, more nuanced, or meaningful way. This is a blog for anyone who ever needs a quick, not-necessarily-life-changing pick me up, but doesn’t have time to ferret it out.  I am doing this legwork for you because it’s fun for me and hopefully in doing so, I will be able to create a new outlet for myself in a new city in the process.  I hope that you enjoy this blog and that it brings you a greater measure of joy, contentment, zest for and appreciation of life – one treat at a time.  I can’t wait to read your comments and feedback.  Yours truly, M