Prepping for June: Month One 

I’m a little apprehensive about starting this experiment. My Year of Fun. It’s going to be fun, I’ve decided that. I mean, it’s an experiment of fun, after all. But my anxiety is telling me that I won’t stick with it, or I’ll get bored. A year is an exceptionally long time to stick to something. And my year is looking exceptionally busy. 

I have grad school coming up in June. I’m saving, rather aggressively, for a house. I just started a new job (that I adore, but still, full-time work). Is now really the time to start such an ostentatious project? A project that’s going to take time, energy, money, and dedication? Ha. You fool. 

But I actually think now is the perfect time to start a project like this. My psychiatrist (yes, I see a shrink), said that I need to make time for play. I’m too much work and not enough play, which is slightly ironic, given that she told me that when I was unemployed. But that’s beside the point. 

I’m going to feel overwhelmed if I don’t take the time to myself that I need. And playing is a perfect form of self-care. 

How I Find My Fun 

Okay, I’mma be honest. I took to a Hive Mind to start my research for fun activities. There’s a facebook group I’m a part of a Facebook group called Women’s Personal Finance, and they came in clutch with ideas. I also just… think of fun things. Like the books I’m going to read.

What Fun Theme I’m Choosing for June: Social 

June is #PRIDE month. So what better way to start than being social and going to different events, meeting new people, and strengthening friendships? 

I joined several LGBTQIA-friendly Facebook groups to source ideas. I’m also going to be reaching out to friends and planning things. 

Fun I’ve Already Had, and Some Plans

Recently, I went with a new friend and her children to a park. I had so much fun just talking and walking around. We talked about our lives, our boundaries, things we were into, and our children. 

Another day, I rode with some friends on a trail ride. Adding these excursions into my life really enriched it, and I’m hoping to continue that momentum into June. 

Fun Throughout the Year

The other major fun thing I’m going to be doing is taking barrel lessons again. I haven’t run barrels since I was a child. And to be honest, I miss it. A lot. It’s $130 a month.

Back in my money blogging days, that would have been a superfluous waste of money. Fun can be free, right? but one of my goals during this year is to spend money on myself, something I’m terrible at doing (unless it’s a good skin care routine). 

How I’m Preparing for the Year

Today I looked over my budget. Apparently, I can’t get entirely past my money blogging days. I worked out how much money I’ll be able to spend each month. And that came out to be a nice round number of $230. 

To me, that’s a lot of money. And I’m a little bit sad that I won’t be putting that toward the house I want to buy. But this project is more important in a lot of ways. It’s going to increase my quality of life, allow me to try new things, and teach me more about myself. 

I’m also talking about it. A lot. This seems weird, but it’s actually helping me keep my resolve. My coworkers are interested, my friends are, too, and even some Internet strangers started following me on my journey. 

What I want to Get Out of This Experiment 

From just my initial post on Facebook about what things I might find fun, my project struck a chord with people. Especially after the pandemic, people are lacking in fun. I feel it in my soul, and apparently, so do they. 

I want to be a beacon of light in these dark times. Wow, I sound a little pompous. But it’s true, I want people to join in my journey with me. 

We’re kind of past the era of blog comments… barely anyone reads anymore, and I should be doing this TikTok style. But alas, I’m a writer at my core. 

So I’m inviting you to join in my journey and comment your thoughts. How would you prepare for a Year of Fun?