I have made serious efforts this semester to prepare for the future, keep up with school, and take better care of myself physically, emotionally, and spiritually. And today I realized that while I feel a lot better, saying that I'm "happy" still seems like a stretch.
After stake conference a few weeks ago, I gave up basically all of my favorite TV shows in an effort to cut out negative influences and make time for more meaningful media. I'm watching TED Talks and reading blogs like Feminist Mormon Housewives. I'm focusing more on school and trying to keep up. I'm spending more time in the scriptures and putting more effort in eating good food.
All of these things are good things! The problem, though, is that this is all I do now. Still not seeing the problem? It's too serious.
I'm trying to do the right thing and be an adult and focus on big important issues. But the Doctor's right. "What's the point of being a grown-up if you can't be childish sometimes?"
Heck, I don't even have to do anything childish. I just need to find things I genuinely enjoy AND are still conducive to the Spirit. After many semesters of great difficulty in class, I'm only getting out my camera when people need pictures taken. My book collection is packed with serious fiction and political non-fiction. Music isn't doing anything for me lately either.
So I don't know if anyone else has this problem. What do you do when you start taking life (and yourself) too seriously?
I usually shut myself in my room until I snap out of it.
ReplyDeleteBut you mean positive steps, I take it?
I find a good book. A really good book with serious parts, humor, romance, horror--basically everything that could be in a book, and well written.
Sometimes I get an epiphany through vicarious experience. Sometimes I don't. Either way, it helps.
And if that's not enough, I have an MLP marathon.
I think you hit the nail on the head. You still need to find activities that aren't too serious, but still allow the presence of the spirit. I mean, even the apostles and prophet crack jokes lol Sunday is the day of rest, from physical labors, and just as we need a "rest" every week, we need to balance our lives with fun activities, friendships, wholesome passions like photography, gardening, and service to others!
ReplyDeleteThere is wholesome music out there that touches the soul without suggestive or destructive lyrics.
Moderation in all things like you said. You can read scriptures all the time, because you are missing out on so many opportunities and experiences of daily life that we were meant to partake of. President Hinckley said "Life is to be enjoyed not just endured."