Rediscover Joy: Reclaiming Passion in a Busy World"

Watching TV and then lounging at your friends’ place and discussing: How Sanju lost his Magic Pencil and How Team Rocket attacked Pokémon Center and snatched all the Pokémon at lightning speed.

In this fast-paced world, we live in, it's all too common to lose touch with the things that truly bring us joy. Our careers and daily responsibilities often take centre stage, leaving little time for the hobbies and activities that used to light up our lives. But what happens when we realize we've drifted away from the very things that once made our hearts sing?

Amidst the hustle and bustle of everyday life, I found myself slowly but surely losing touch with the activities that once defined me. With time, I gradually let go of the passions that used to fill me with excitement and fulfilment. It's a story many of us can relate to – the gradual fading of hobbies and interests as the pressures of daily life take over. But what happens when we wake up one day and realize we've lost sight of what truly matters?

For many of us, myself included, the realization often comes suddenly and unexpectedly. It hit me like a ton of bricks one evening as I sat with a book and thought of a time when reading was my greatest passion. The memories flooded back: the thrill of discovering new worlds between the pages, the animated discussions with friends over favourite stories, the quiet contentment of losing myself in a story.

Yet, as I reached for a book and attempted to dive back into that familiar world, I was met with an unexpected obstacle – my mind. The words blurred together, my attention wandered, and the once effortless act of reading felt like a daunting chore. It was a reminder of just how much I had let slip away in the pursuit of a steady future, which I am still way far away from.

But this moment of realization also served as a wake-up call – a gentle nudge to reclaim the joys that had been pushed aside in the name of productivity. If you find yourself in a similar situation, yearning to reconnect with the passions you've left behind, here are a few steps to help you get started:

1. Acknowledge the Loss

The first step towards rediscovery is acknowledging that something valuable has been lost. Take a moment to reflect on the activities and hobbies that once brought you joy, and recognize the impact their absence has had on your life. Imagine you're playing your favourite video game, say playing Tekken 3 and suddenly you realize you've lost Arm Breaker Reversal. It's like losing a key to your success in the game. You might play the game, but you know how fun that part was, what a rush that was.

Well, in real life, it's kind of like that too. Sometimes, we get so busy with school, chores, and other stuff that we forget to do the things we love, like playing with friends, dancing, and going out, which makes us happy.?

So, the first step to getting back that fun is to realize that we're missing it. It's like admitting, "Hey, I miss playing with my friends," or "I used to love reading or writing, or going for a picnic with family or kids but I haven't done it in a while." Once we admit that, it's like finding a clue in the game – it helps us figure out what to do next to bring back the fun!

2. Carve Out Time

In our busy schedules, time is a precious commodity. Say you have this Jar, that is filled with all the schedules, your work commitments, chores, the deadlines and the Jar is overflowing with all this stuff, could you ever think of doing something that lights you up with joy? Probably not !!

So it's on YOU to make a conscious effort to make space in that Jar, right? Make a conscious effort to carve out dedicated time for the activities you want to reintroduce into your life. Whether it's scheduling a weekly reading hour or setting aside time for a creative pursuit, prioritize these moments as you would any other appointment.

3. Start Small

All right, say you used to love planting, and go to the marker and bring the seeds and now you think of it as a big task have to dig, plant the seeds, water them, and wait for them to grow. It can feel like a lot! But you can always start small, it's not that scary at all, just plant a few seeds in a small planter for today, and choose the ones that are easy to grow and give you results faster comparatively It gives you the confidence to do more of it. Rekindling an old passion doesn't have to be overwhelming. You can start small by incorporating small doses of your chosen activity into your daily routine. Even just ten minutes of reading before bed or a quick sketch during your lunch break can reignite your enthusiasm over time.

4. Eliminate Distractions

In a world filled with constant distractions, creating a conducive environment for focused engagement is essential. Say, while you are reading a book of your interest, your mind is just taking you to hit that Instagram logo and check those notifications out, now it's on you either you uninstall that for an hour or put your phone on silent mode, or make your mind strong enough to not to get distracted with those notifications on top. Minimize distractions by turning off notifications, finding a quiet space, and immersing yourself fully in the present moment.

5. Practice Patience

Now imagine you are waiting for an event or date you are excited about. It feels like it’s taking forever, right? But even though it feels like a long time, you know that eventually, the event will come, and it will be worth the wait! Practicing patience is like that. Relearning a skill or reigniting a passion takes time and patience. Be gentle with yourself as you navigate the process, and don't be discouraged by setbacks or initial difficulties. With consistent effort and perseverance, you'll gradually regain your stride.

6. Celebrate Progress

Say you have started learning Guitar, and it's your first day, and you are not so sure if you will be playing it like Taylor Swift. But every single day you realize you are better than your last, and in a few days, you are playing chords, playing birthday songs on it and it feels like you are getting closer and closer. So, when you're learning guitar, remember to celebrate the small victories along the way. Celebrate even the smallest victories along the way. Whether it's finishing a chapter, completing a project, or simply relishing in the joy of creation, take the time to acknowledge and celebrate your progress.

In my journey towards rediscovery, I've found that the act of reconnecting with lost passions has been transformative. As I find quiet times on busy days and start doing things I love again, I remember how awesome life can be when I'm not just focused on work and chores. It's like rediscovering a treasure trove of happiness and fun waiting for me all along.

So, if you find yourself longing to rediscover the passions you've left behind, take that first step today. Dust off that old guitar, crack open that neglected sketchbook or lose yourself in the pages of a beloved book. Embrace the journey of rediscovery, and let the sparks of passion illuminate your path once more.