introduction
In my original blog I spoke about creating an ‘Ideas Jar’ to keep me entertained if I’m ever at a loose end. I’ve therefore added tis page to cover this concept and to help you to identify activities that you may want to add to your own jar.
What is an ‘ideas jar’?
An ‘Ideas Jar’ is just a container in which you keep ‘activity ideas’ written on folded pieces of paper.
The idea being that if you ever get to a point where you have nothing to do (or don’t want to do something that you’ve already planned) you simply reach into the jar and pull out an idea at random. You can then either act on the idea or keep selecting another slip of paper until you find something that appeals to you.
What sort of activities can you put into your jar?
There are no limits to what ideas you include. The ideas just have to be things that you’d be happy, or at least prepared, to try.
To start I just sat down with a piece of paper and wrote down any activity or hobby I’ve ever considered trying. I then added things that I used to do but haven’t done for a while…and then keep adding things as I come across new possibilities.
The only tips that I can offer you are:
- Open you mind to all possibilities
2. Read local magazines and online features to see what activities are on offer in your area &
3. Ask friends and family to suggest sports or activities that they’d think you’d like to try.
(The worst that can happen is that you’ll try something that you don’t like…and then at least you know that you never have to try it again.)
WHAT’s In my jar?
The ideas that I’ve got in my jar are listed below (in no particular order).
| Visit a town or village that I’ve never explored before |
| Join the local history society |
| Learn how to make willow models |
| Go out & find 2 Trig points* |
| Start writing a book |
| Work on grandma’s stamp collection |
| Go & watch hot air balloons |
| Set up an option to print my photos on to t-shirts |
| Book to attend ‘Last Night of the Proms’** |
| Visit the ‘garden in the sky’*** |
| Add trips to Tripadvisor |
| Try my and at an archaeological dig |
| Visit a friend that I haven’t seen in ages |
| Work on Family History |
- * Trig Points are triangular concrete pillars, placed on high points, that were used for surveying in UK. They are therefore situated in some of the most remote and beautiful places in the country.
- **The Last Night of the Proms is a joyous celebration of classical music and British tradition, with patriotic music of the United Kingdom. (If you don’t know anything about it then please search for YouTube clips. It’s quirky and many people from around the world attend.)
- *** Please click on the link provided to give you an overview Castlefield Viaduct | Manchester | National Trust
| Learn how to Vlog or create a YouTube channel |
| Buy tickets for a festival or gig |
| Explore voluntary work overseas |
| Start to learn a musical instrument |
| Find a course & learn how to make cheese |
| Arrange to visit London with Jon |
| Bake some bread |
| Explore cheap theatre tickets for things that you don’t normally see |
| Organise a walk in the Peak District with Sarah |
| Research single malt whisky |
SUMMARY
In summary an ‘ideas jar’ is just a fall back for any day when you wake up and don’t have anything specific to do. It can contain any activity that you want (an aspiration, a possible, craft or activity that you’ve sometimes considered, a long standing task or just something challenging) and the great thing is, that if you don’t like what you choose at random, then either select another idea or do something different. After all, you have the ultimate choice of what to do.
ROOKIE RETIREE BLOG
Whether you’re stepping into retirement, seeing it on the horizon, or just curious about what it’s like, you’ll find honest tips, real-life stories, and helpful options in the Rookie Retiree Blog.
If that sounds like your kind of journey, I’d love for you to join me.
👉 Join me on the Rookie Retiree Journey
OVERFLOW IDEAS
If you are looking for more ideas then why not visit the OVERFLOW IDEAS page. Here we collect all of your ideas (thank you for all who have contributed – more ideas are always welcome!). Link is provided below:
Rookie retiree 