Rejuvenating

In my last post, I mentioned a tool called the “Rejuvenate List”. It has helped me and my family to live a higher quality life. Nearly everyone has a life that requires work…and work can get tiresome…after all it is work. For kids, positive life activities like play, fun, laughter come naturally. Rejuvenating is a process that helps to renew you with youthful vigor.

As adults, we have responsiblities and so these positive (or rejuvenating) activities often require a conscience effort on our part to build them into our lives. The more you are able to build rejuvenating activities into your life, the healthier and happier you will be. So it is important to know what things rejuvenate you and then to communicate that information about yourself to the people around you. That way, they can help support you in achieving something rejuvenating every day.

The process of creating your own personal rejuvenating list will help you to identify what things in your life build you up and give you more energy. Often these things are interests that you had as a kid and have grown into a lifelong passion. Sometimes you will aquire new interests that you find really rejuvenate you.

Think about the things in your life that you love to do. When was the last time you got a chance to do them? You owe it not only to yourself to make that a priority, but to others as well. It’s not selfish. In fact, being healthy and living a balanced life is the best thing you can do for others because it puts you in the best position to help them and make their lives better. In short, you need to rejuvenate daily to be the best person you can be.

Here’s a list of some activities you might list to get you started: Aerobics, Acting, Archery, Art, Astronomy, Badminton, Ballet, Baseball/Softball, Basketball, Bicycling, Boating, Body Building, Cars, Camping, Chess, Dancing, Clubs, Collecting, Computers, Concerts, Cooking, Diving, Fishing, Fitness, Golf, Hockey, Hiking, History, Horse Riding, Martial Arts, Music, Movies, Museums, Musical Instruments, Painting/Drawing, Pets/Animals, Photography, Reading, Running, Roller/In-line/Ice Skating, Sailing, Scouting, Shopping, Skiing, Snowboarding, Soccer/Rugby, Swimming, Ping Pong, Tennis, Theater, Travel, Video Games, Volleyball, Walking, Wind Surfing

Rejuvenating isn’t only about physical activities. It could mean taking a relaxing bath, a 20 minute nap, getting a massage, talking with friends, etc. For some people, it may be a time of prayer or solitude that helps you to refocus and prioritize life.

Here’s my personal rejuvenating list:

• Alone quiet time in the morning air
• Hip Hop, Latin, and Kick Boxing aerobics
• Bike rides and walks around the lake
• Sunshine and swimming
• Being encouraged and appreciated
• A day off from work with nothing to do
• Getting outside and moving, feeling the expanse, looking up after sitting in front of a computer all day
• Listening to an inspiring podcast, sermon, or music
• Performing close-up magic
• Practicing magic or juggling
• Playing piano, trumpet, or drums…singing with Brenda and kids
• Playing sports like volleyball, football, etc.
• Playing with our kids
• Watching live theater or jazz concert
• Creating or building something new

Have your spouse, kids, or close friends create lists as well. Now take your lists and compare them for common activities. You may be surprised at what you learn about yourself and those around you. Anything that both you and your spouse (or entire family) enjoy together is a win-win! You can do those activities together and build you both up at the same time.

My spouse and I have the following rejuvenating activities in common:

• Accomplishing things on my To Do list
• Time with good friends
• Traveling
• Dancing
• Having a clean and organized house
• Seeing nature…a park
• Getting a massage
• Love and dating my wife
• Watching clean comedy or a funny movie
• Family time
• Taking time for spiritual needs

I even write down those things I know the kids love, because it increases the likelihood that I, as a father, will make time to do those things with them and foster an environment that promotes those activities. Make a covenant with your partner and family to support each other to make these events happen more often in your lives.

Make your list today and post it on your fridge so everyone can see it. It can even be a conversation starter when friends come to your home. At the end of your day, look back. What did you truly enjoy doing today? How did it change your outlook on life?