Lau's Little List - June 8, 2024
On frivolities, fantasies, and other forms of fanciful fun
Greetings friends!
I know summer hasn’t officially begun yet, but it feels like it (here at least), so I’m switching to that mental mode. A part of me likes getting things done during these sunny months, but I try to take time for some R&R as well. With that in mind, I’d like to share a few of my favorite forms of fun-for-its-own-sake — and a freebie to boot!
Surely this quote helps make my point:
Quote of the Week:
“The time you enjoy wasting is not wasted time.”
— Bertrand Russell
Fun and Funny Reading:
Me Talk Pretty One Day by David Sedaris. Perhaps like many of you, I first discovered Sedaris through his “SantaLand Diaries” on NPR, the hilariously-narrated account of his time as a part-time elf in Macy’s Christmas Wonderland. In Me Talk Pretty One Day, Sedaris shares childhood stories as well as some of his adult adventures in France. Whether trying to eliminate his lisp or learn the guitar, pickpocketing his boyfriend or explaining Easter to non-Americans in broken French, Sedaris finds humor and heart in a wide range of experiences.
A Surprisingly Fun Writing Prompt:
“The Most Annoying Prompts.” If you want to improve at something, the best thing to do is practice every day. Writing is no different; whether you feel like it or not, you need to spend some time stringing words together daily if you ever want to get better at writing.
But sometimes, we don’t wanna write. Maybe we don’t have ideas (false). Maybe we have other things we need to do. Maybe we just don’t like writing.
You know what everyone likes to do, though (whether they admit it or not)? Complain!
One way to prompt anyone to start writing is to ask some version of “What things really annoy you?” After that, you’ll have more trouble getting them to stop writing!
I especially enjoy these prompts because they give that negative voice in one’s head the chance to run rampant, clearing the way for the creative side of the brain to speak up. It also makes a “taboo” fun by giving some free rein to unleash (and probably laugh at) the troublesome trivialities we all get spun up about at one time or another. Give it a shot anytime!
(Or don’t. I don’t care. It wouldn’t bother me. No, really, I wouldn’t mind at all if you refused to try this simple, enjoyable activity. What, you’re too good to take some friendly advice? Whatever. I don’t need this…)
Random Reckless Revelry:
“Rediscovery.” So often, we seek enjoyment by pursuing, trying, or acquiring something new. But think about it: have you ever secured your happiness by doing that before? In other words, has any object or experience kept you satisfied for life? I’m thinking no.
So, instead of trying yet again to chase down the next promise of pleasure — that new gadget or excursion or activity — think of something you used to enjoy that you haven’t done in a while. For your kids, dig out those old toys or books that you packed away. For yourself, maybe dust off the instrument you once played or visit a park you haven’t hiked in years. You can cook a former favorite recipe that has dropped out of your rotation or spend some time with a friend or family member you haven’t spoken to in a while. For me, few things are more exciting than spending a few hours with a good book.
True, these pleasures will once again come and go, but often they are all the sweeter for it.
And that's it! What did you think? Please share Lau’s Little List with anyone who you think would enjoy my recommendations!
I would greatly appreciate any feedback you'd like to provide. Which tip was your favorite? What would you like to see more or less of in the next installment? Do you have any other suggestions? Feel free to leave a comment below with your thoughts.