[MotownJohnny]

Because I'm pretty desperate to NOT feel like I do any more (which is miserable), I've come up with the concept of engaging my mind in new pursuits. I'm exploring the possibility of going to grad school, and today I signed up for another round of boxing lessons, something I did last year and enjoyed but wasn't very good at -- my goal there will be to improve to the point I stand a chance of perhaps not being totally humiliated in an actual fight.

Do things like that help you - new projects, new hobbies, new pursuits?

[Snowpeacedragon]

Yeah Hi Motown J! I agree,the rent "ain't that great,to feel like crap!" I think your on the right track to do things that make ya happy! being here was a good choice! Everyone is going through some crap,and the majick is,the more we help our self ,then others,we are on a good path.It's not easy to read or change our mindset from the sucking feelings,that are mostly, caused by others,or misconceptions about how we"Should Be" Or one of my "favorites,"How we should feel!" If it makes ya feel happy,and its not a dumb thing like something harmful to you or others,then enjoy! & good luck with the Grad thing! I'm still working on trying to get an Associates! Happy New year--back later. Oh thanks for helping me feel better! I feel like crap,yet today is getting much better! LOl No *****! Hope that's okay? It's "my French!" That's what I tell the Grandkids! " The journey of 10,000 miles begins with one step"-Lao Tzu(my fav quote,pretty smart for a guy living in the 3rd century!)

[Auntie2014]

I know that when I am feeling down I need to engage my mind in some sort of diversion. It does not need to be something new though. Some times it can be as simple as doing something in a different way. My stand by is journaling but know that I need to be more creative during down times. It is tempting to just focus on my problems and that can make things worse. I keep a list of journal prompts handy and make myself write for at least a half hour about something not related to my situation. Or find a quote that I like and write about it.

Some times I just write with the other hand or try adding a little art work around a letter or something. I have even been known to find a picture in a magazine of a room and write about how I would redecorate it.

The point is I just try to do something in a different way than I would normally do it.

I am also a creative. Making something gives me a sense of accomplishment. What can really help is a mindful practice where you are doing something but with purpose. You are thinking only about it which forces you to slow down. Studies show this actually changes your brain. I used to pattern draw (Zentangle). Since I always have my phone I will take photos "mindfully" and then I like to edit them in ios. Right now I have a knitting project.

What doesn't help me is to buy a new project. It is popular with crafters to get sucked into buying the latest things for a project. It easy to justify as... "I could sell it" or "It's for my health" or whatever. I have found it more satisfying to use what I have and buy only what I need to add to what I am working on. It takes some discipline. I like photo editing apps so I limit myself to ones that are on sale for free but even that can get out of hand.

Question... How often are you planning to get into a fight??

[MotownJohnny]

Originally Posted by Michanne

Question... How often are you planning to get into a fight??

Every Sunday morning at 9:30 for the next 20 weeks.

Actually, probably only 4-5 total out of 20 sessions. Mostly just exercises to work on technique.

[JadeAmethyst]

I tend to read...a lot. I love the library, the atmosphere, the sounds, the people the smells...bookstores, just being there is a wonderment for me and relaxing. I confess there has been a time that my personal "library" at home gets too big and I either sell them or most times donate them, but all in all reading, writing are my guilty pleasures and "go to" places.
I agree with the posts above that just changing activities up or making them "new" in some ways are also helpful. My own example is that reading more fiction vs. non fiction has new possibilities for me. I am hoping to eventually "join" a book club as a possibility.

I wish you luck this year MJ on your boxing lessons. You are brave, I don't know if I could take a punch!
Jade