My Journey to Rediscovering My Enthusiasm
January. Brimming with the promise of a fresh start, I decided to dive headfirst into something I honestly expected to loathe: Alex Banayan’s 30-day journaling challenge. The premise was simple, almost deceptively so: Every day, answer three questions:
- What filled me with enthusiasm today?
- What drained me of energy today?
- What did I learn about myself today?
Thirty days. Three questions. Repeat. I envisioned it as a tedious chore, a daily drudgery. And, to be honest, the first few days felt exactly like that. But something shifted. A rhythm emerged. A sense of introspection began to take root.
Initially a forced exercise, the daily ritual transformed into a powerful tool for self-discovery. I started to see patterns. I noticed the subtle nuances of my days, the small moments that sparked joy and the seemingly insignificant interactions that sapped my energy. I uncovered hidden layers of myself, insights that had been buried beneath the daily hustle.
What surprised me most was how much I missed journaling by the end of the 30 days. I’d come to rely on that quiet time, that space to reflect and process. My phone, with its convenient journaling app, felt… inadequate. The act of putting pen to paper, the physical connection to my thoughts, was irreplaceable. There’s a tangible quality to handwritten words, a sense of permanence that a digital screen simply can’t replicate.
This experience rekindled a long-dormant desire: to actively craft my dream life. Dusting off Kristina Karlsson’s “Your Dream Life Starts Here, a book I’d eagerly purchased before the world turned upside down, felt like unearthing a forgotten treasure. I’d started the 101 Dream List back then but only made it to 75. Life, as it often does, had intervened.
But now, armed with the insights gained from my 30-day challenge, I felt a renewed sense of purpose. I understood more clearly what truly energized me, what drained me, and what I needed to nurture my well-being. It was time to revisit those dreams, to breathe new life into them, and to commit to making them a reality.
Here’s what I learned and what I encourage you to consider:
- The Power of Repetition: Consistent reflection, even for a few minutes each day, can yield profound insights.
- The Tangible Connection: Don’t underestimate the power of pen and paper. It’s a different experience than typing on a screen.
- Self-Awareness is Key: Understanding your sources of enthusiasm and energy drain is crucial for creating a fulfilling life.
- Dreams Evolve: Life changes, and so do our aspirations. It’s okay to revisit and revise your dreams.
- Action is Essential: Reflection without action is just contemplation. Take the insights you gain and use them to create positive change.
So, I’m picking up my pen, dusting off my dream list, and embarking on a new chapter. I invite you to join me. What are your dreams? What fills you with enthusiasm? And what are you waiting for? It’s time to put pen to paper and craft your dream life.