Have you lost motivation and are looking for things to do when you’re bored?
I know how discouraging it can feel to be without purpose. Perhaps your day has just started, but you don’t have motivation or interest in it because there’s no purpose to it. Frankly, you feel bored. You’re looking around at your little home, wondering if “cleaning it” again is all you’re good for today. The weather has turned cool and wet, and you don’t have anything lined up to keep you and your kiddos inspired and encouraged. I hear you, friend!
To Combat Boredom, Set the Mood.
First, in order to combat boredom, you’ve got to set the mood. A little music might be key for this part. Something upbeat is a must. Check out this playlist for some inspo: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wRHgq6PC5jg
Next, take a few minutes to purposefully consider someone in your community who needs something! Maybe it’s your police department, those guys always need encouragement. Perhaps it’s your first responders who have a need, EMT’s, Paramedics, etc. They’re regularly on the front lines, exposed to illness, minimal sleep, and challenging work environments. It could be your next-door neighbor, Miss Sally, the older lady who is always a little crabby, but it’s because she’s desperately lonely. You get the idea. Think hard, who is someone who needs something?
Get Creative
Now that you’ve got someone in mind, let’s consider how to bless them. You’re probably rolling your eyes a little right now: “I thought this post is supposed to be about what to do when I’m bored”. I can almost here you say. Track with me for a minute. In all my years of experience, I have ALWAYS found that the times I’m most bored, are the times when I most need to serve others.
It’s incredibly fulfilling and satisfying to bless others in their time of need, and I find that it is the BEST antidote for restlessness and boredom! Plus, it’s pure fun! And the blessings that heap back on your head for doing so are wonderful!
Find Some Helpers or Take Off On Your Own
Serving others is incredibly fun as a team, so why don’t you call up your best friend, a mom friend, your grandma, or somebody else and see if they want to do a little project with you. Be cautious though, this part is tricky. Don’t be looking for your value or identity in their answer. It can be very easy to get excited about a little service project and then call a friend to come do it with you only to slump into discouragement again when they aren’t available.
Remember, calling a friend to do it with you is just a perk to your purpose. It’s not the purpose, and thus, if they can’t make it, you must continue on!! Either way, you’ve got this, and this day will suddenly have purpose and vitality it didn’t have before!! Bless you, friend!
The Project
Alright, now you’re primed and ready to go. It’s time for the project. There’s a lot of different ways to serve others, but today you’ll be serving them through gift baskets. Now gift baskets work well on a budget or if you’ve got lots of extra cash to spare. Find a thrift store basket, one tucked away in an old closet at home that you can afford to spare, or pick up a box and cover it in wrapping paper or brown paper so that it looks a little prettier. Next, you have the option of a budget basket or a more extravagant basket.
If you opt to go the budget route, go through your pantry and look for things you can spare. Maybe it’s a few unopened, flavored tea bags, perhaps it’s a jar of preserves, maybe an unused candle, or an extra tea mug that you haven’t used. Next, bake some cookies and/or fresh bread to go along with your preserves! Package it all prettily, and you’ve got a budget gift basket, ready to go! Grab some stationary and your favorite pen, script a sweet note, with an inspiring Scripture verse or quote, and you’re ready to deliver it!
If you opt to go the more expensive route, stop by the store, and enjoy picking up various treats! Perhaps it’s some crackers and fancy dip, some berries, a new pair of fuzzy socks, some lotion or lip balm, some Vitamin C and tea, a new mug, or some gum. Take your bounty home and bake some fresh cookies to add a personal touch. Arrange it in the box or basket to make a pretty display. Some ribbon as a bow always makes it look just a little more finished. Put together an encouraging note, and you’re off to the races!
Suddenly You’re Not Quite So Bored
Yup, that’s right. You have purpose now. You’ve got a direction for your day. You’ve got a plan of attack! Get after it, my friend, and post a photo of your budget or gift basket in the comments, so I can cheer you on! Trust me, you’ll be blessed and so will the folks you served!
Check out more from me at http://www.purposefullyput.com 🙂
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