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by nicbou 1529 days ago
I'm in a similar financial position, but a few years older and having the time of my life.

What works for me:

- I went to great lengths to reduce my computer time, and particularly mindless scrolling. I am also careful with video games and other time killers. These are fast food for the mind.

- I reintroduced idle time. I leave the internet out of the bedroom and enjoy quiet breakfasts on the balcony. This is where ideas take hold.

- I cook, I garden, I fix cars, I build stuff, I draw. Active or participative hobbies are absolutely essential. You gotta mold your world, not merely pass through it like a ghost.

- I explore a lot. I've explored most of my area on a bicycle, and most of Europe on a motorcycle. There's an endless world I've seen none percent of. I never regretted exploring more of it.

- I really sweat the small stuff. I try to make the ordinary things matter, and to appreciate the little rituals. I like fresh flowers, candlelight reading, tea time, sunset beer, bicycle picnics, fancy breakfasts and many other things. These are a good outlet for all your spare time.

1 comments

I did a bit of travelling, and after a while I felt I was just going through the motions. I'm a bit like OP, and if I followed your list I would have to wonder, are these things just things I'm doing to distract myself? I was travelling and I wondered what I was doing, I was making memories but in a few decades (fingers crossed if all goes well) these memories will go with me when I die...

I guess I'm answering my own question, we just need to distract ourselves and have fun/find fulfillment so long as we're capable of experiencing things (i.e. as long as our brains can be stimulated, which will end when we die).

That falls within the purview of philosophy.

You'll die regardless of what you do. You might as well enjoy the ride.