Are you having enough fun? 10 ways to feed your soul.
I like to imagine our soul like a garden. We know that gardens to reach their full potential need tending to and I’d like to suggest that meeting your soul needs is actually where all the fun in life comes out from. Creating a lifestyle where I care for my soul, body and spirit has completely changed my life. Legalistic religion doesnt allow you to have needs.. and I thought I was only allowed to love God and love others - but I have come to realise that we can also treat ourselves how we would want out best friend or daughters to be treated. When these needs are met I’m clear headed, I’m inspired, I’m passionate, I’m rested, I’m connected to God, and life is adventurous. I truly believe fun and adventure are needs we have. Some people more than others… but when I think about how we are made in God’s image.. I imagine God takes joy in His children enjoying hikes, and sports and exploring His creation!
There was a season where I felt really sad and totally drained. Things had been very intense, a lot of emotional stuff was happening and it was busy. Naturally I’m a very joyful person but on this one afternoon it dawned on me that I really did feel heavy at heart and had done for a while.
I sat to ponder and I asked myself a question:
“Rae, when was the last time you had fun?” mental click!!.. Things been WAY too intense.
Too much work and stress and not enough play. I decided to throw a dance party. Loads of people came, we danced our faces off and we had a great time. I felt alive and excited again and felt like I really learned a valuable lesson.. fun must be a priority.
Proverbs 17:22
22 A cheerful heart is good medicine,
but a crushed spirit dries up the bones
I wonder if there are a number of people who feel really low in life simply because they are not having enough fun. If you are reading this feeling rubbish because you don’t have enough fun in your life, hello lovely one.. the blog is just for you my friend. It’s not too late. Everything can change right now.
So let’s get into it. Here are 10 ways you can meet the needs of your beautiful soul and I do believe this will bring so much colour to your world.
1. Hobbies. x
A big fat yay for hobbies. Participate in your hobbies every week. Sports, dance, drama, music, video games, computer games, photography, outdoor activities, gymnastics, skating, rollerblading, reading, cooking… WHAT IS YOUR THING?
Whatever you love doing make sure you invest time into that every week. This is your play time! Your soul needs this time. You can put a reminder on your phone to remind you to do these things. If you don’t have any hobbies then that’s pretty exciting….. this is a fun opportunity to discover something new.
If you put the time in, you can learn to do great things. I love dancing, making videos, tea drinking, good food, friends, adventure, beauty, baths, massages, pamper nights with friends, keeping my nails nice and the list goes on. Having hobbies, brings joy, passion, community, fun and fulfilment!
2. Daily balance. x
It is super great if we can get a daily balance of resting, working and playing. Take a pause for a second, grab a journal and a pen and write down all of the things you enjoy doing. Just for yourself (especially for all the mummy’s out there!) Make time for at least one of those things every week. To all of my selfless queens out there who invest most of their time thinking about other people.. do you know what you enjoy doing? Now is a chance to have a think and ask yourself the question. Don’t feel guilty for taking time for yourself darling. Pamper yourself. This will bring balance in your mood, emotions and how you love those around you.
3. Journaling. x
I have so many journals… so many that my friends have laughed at me about it before! I believe journals are super important when it comes to processing, getting out emotion, tracking growth, staying motivated and encouraged. Taking some time to journal daily is a good thing if you are up to it. Write down everything that’s going on in your beautiful busy mind. Journaling will keep your mind de-cluttered and focused. It’s also a great way to pray and talk to God when you feel quiet.
4. Community. x
Relationship is so important. I will travel. I will make time. I will do whatever it takes to be with friends at least twice a week. We hang out at home. We venture. We drink coffee. We eat dinner. We go for walks. We have fun. We do life together. If you feel like you don’t have any friends I promise you there are friends to be found. Really start praying into it.. believe God will ship your people in. It will take time but he will, and then we have to work at it and put the time in. Community brings fulfilment and purpose.
5. Adventure. x
I cannot express how important it is to go on adventures as much as you can. Road trips, days out, festivals and holidays, camping, exploring. If I don’t have money you can still do something fun for free. Get creative. The fun thing with festivals is you can work at them and then enjoy the festival for free! Adventuring will bring refreshment, zest for life and deeper friendships.
6. Hang out in nature. x
This is a daily need. Time by the beach. tTme walking in the woods. Time walking down your local trail or canal. Looking at our beautiful world that has been given to us to steward. Breathing in the air and appreciating life and freedom. Spend time outside. Walk in the rain. Watch the ocean. Watch the sunset. This will refresh your soul after a long day. It’s also a great way to process life situations.
7. Declarations (death & life are in the power of the tongue) x
In the morning after you have woken up and embraced the beauty of the morning time. Speak out in faith some great beliefs and faith statements about your day! The Lord LOVES it when we have faith for what He wants to do. Your words are powerful and your mind-set and your words change your world. Faith comes by hearing and your declaration will slowly create belief systems and paradigms in your brain. This will help you to feel expectant, alive, positive and motivated! If you want to hear or read more on this topic I highly recommend Steve & Wendy Backlund who have written multiple books on this from a theological perspective.
8. Self-kindness (this is very important) x
Always talk to yourself like you would talk to the person you love the most. Encourage yourself. Be kind to yourself. Be gentle with yourself, validate yourself. especially when you have made a mistake, and when you are trying to cultivate new habits. Don’t be hard on yourself. You are doing the best you can and you are loved just as much on the bad days. Positive self talk will ground you and it will cultivate self love and self acceptance.
9. Stay inspired + passionate. x
This looks different for everyone. How do you stay inspired? For me it’s time with God (in nature or worship in my room) causes inspiration to burst from inside me. Exploring new places and listening to music and reading a good book whilst people watching in a cafe. Consuming content intentionally. I’m never inspired when I spend too much time on social media.. it does the opposite infact. What inspires you?
10. Express your creativity. x
Expressing your creativity has so much purpose. Not only do people see your vibrant and unique personality through your creativity but you can also bless the world around you with the unique gifts that have been given to you. I enjoy creating collages. What do you love creating? Would you like to learn something new? Grab a cuppa look out the window and have a dream.
You can set yourself reminders that go off every couple of weeks so you can ask yourself the questions.
Are you having enough fun in your life?
Are you doing what makes you feel alive?
Are you being positive?
Do you have zest for life?
Are you laughing?
Are you in community?
xo