10 Simple Ways to Enjoy Life’s Journey More 


 

1. Take discovery walks.
 

It is so easy for the novelty of my peaceful neighborhood in Kyoto to lose its appeal. So, a couple of times per week I go on a fifteen-minute walk and try to discover ten new things. I have found small temples, a graveyard, a spring with fresh water, a playground, and some new friends.
 

It’s important to remember that there is always something new to be discovered in our everyday environments. Go on a walk and commit to finding 10 new interesting things. You might be surprised by what you discover.
 

2. Attend free local events.
 

When I walk around town, if I notice a sign that promotes an event, I write down the date, time, and location. The best part about these is that they are free and outdoors. I like to head to farmers markets where there is food, culture, and happy people.
 

Head to your local city or ｃounty office and get a list of all the upcoming activities. There are always some events going on. You never know what cool things you might find. If it’s something you wouldn’t normally do, that’s even more awesome!
 

3. Take lessons or classes.
 

I decided I would do something where I would feel totally out of place: I started attending Japanese tea lessons.
 

The makeup of the group includes: green tea, women over forty-five years old, and me, a twenty-nine-year-old dude from America. This is completely out of my comfort zone and new. And to my surprise, I love it!
 

Push yourself to try new activities, even if you think they aren’t for you. I never drink tea and used to have zero interest in tea ceremonies. But now, I have made new friends and experienced a new side to the culture.
 

Go out and start something new.
 

4. See the sights.
 

Some of the wonderful aspects about Japan are the beautiful temples and shrines. Every week I go out and explore these.
 

What are some famous sights in your area? Go check them out. If you have already been to them, try to discover something new about them. If there aren’t any famous sights in your area, then go discover ones that aren’t famous.
 

5. Keep a gratitude journal.
 

Everyday I write down at minimum five things I appreciated that day. Then at then at the end of the week I look over my list. This means I have thirty-five reasons to be grateful (from the whole week).
 

Try it out. It can really increase your appreciation of day-to-day life.
 

6. Create stories.
 

It’s fun to make up stories in our heads about the world happening around us.
 

My favorite is creating stories about how people are on their first date. It’s really funny when I do this while in the grocery store!
 

Why is that person texting on her cellphone? Why is that child crying? Why is that woman giggling?
 

You might be impressed with your own creativity.
 

7. Bike more.
 

I bike everywhere. It’s amazing to me what I end up discovering while biking around Kyoto. I have discovered new restaurants, stores, temples, and even an English movie theatre.
 

Biking allows me to experience so much more because it is easy to stop, pull over, and go explore by foot. In a car, we move so fast that it is easy to miss out on all the awesome around us.
 

Go on a bike ride around your neighborhood. You might be shocked at some of the things you have missed while driving.
 

8. Create a detailed plan for your day.
 

I love planning out my day because it allows me to include all of the awesome things I want to happen. Time is going to move whether we plan it or not, so I figure why not take control and choose how we live our lives.
 

9. Get out of your comfort zone.
 

One of the most fun and challenging things I do is practice my Japanese with strangers. Sometimes, it’s a good conversation, and sometimes it goes nowhere. But either which way, it breaks me out of my comfort zone, and, more often than not, makes me feel alive.
 

Do something that takes you out of your comfort zone. It can be anything: try a new food, take some dancing classes, or maybe volunteer.
 

10. Take a break from the world.
 

Sometimes it can feel a little overwhelming living in a foreign ｃountry. The culture, language barriers, and challenges can get to me. I always take one day and plan nothing.
 

I read a good book, eat some good food, play some video games, do zero work, talk zero Japanese, and just relax. We all need a little time to do nothing every now and then.
 

If we take intentional action to make sure our lives stay fresh, we can enjoy the journey every day. 

Article Source:  http://tinybuddha.com/blog/10-simple-ways-to-enjoy-lifes-journey-more/
Image Source: https://thumbs.dreamstime.com/x/relax-keep-calm-enjoy-life-other-motivational-lifestyle-reminders-colorful-sticky-notes-40561366.jpg 

VOCABULARY WORDS:
1. Journey- noun [jur-nee] a traveling from one place to another, usually taking a rather long time trip:

2. Aspects-noun [as-pekt]   appearance to the eye or mind look
3. Minimum- noun [min-uh-muh m]  the least quantity or amount possible, assignable, allowable, or the like.
4. Comfort zone- noun the range of atmospheric temperature and humidity considered comfortable for most people.
5. Barriers-noun [bar-ee-er]   anything built or serving to bar passage, as a railing, fence, or the like

QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION:
1. What are some ways for you to enjoy life more?
2. In some point of your life have you felt hatred? Explain.
3. How will you encourage other people to enjoy life?
4. How does enjoying life affect our overall well-being?