Photo credit : Noah Silliman
I’ve always loved singing, ever since I was little. But when I had my first child, I stopped. Why? Because I was a mom now. I was an adult. I had to be productive, efficient, and find a way to succeed in life. So, what was the point of singing if I wasn’t going to become the next Beyoncé? And honestly, I didn’t even want to be a singer anyway.
So, my focus completely shifted towards activities that could help me achieve my professional and financial goals. Personal development? Yes. Working on my mindset? Absolutely. Going to the gym? Necessary, because I needed to lose weight. But singing? Dancing? Anything that was just for fun? No time for that.
The problem
I did everything with a specific purpose. Every action had to lead to something productive, something measurable. But one day, I woke up feeling disconnected, as if I was no longer truly myself. I was frustrated and deeply unhappy. I had lost touch with what brought me joy.
The issue is, when you stop doing what you love most, you start finding excuses not to get back to it. You drift away from that passion.You procrastinate even if you know deep down, that it would be beneficial at so many levels and would make you feel so good.
That's exactly what happened to me. I knew that singing would do me good, but it took me years before I finally dared to sign up for a gospel group. I don't even know why I waited so long. But that hesitation, that fear, is what many of us feel when we distance ourselves from the things that make us happy.
How I solve this problemm
Ultimately, I understood that doing what you love, even if it seems pointless, is essential. I realized that my happiness didn’t only depend on being constantly productive. So, I finally found the courage to start singing again. I joined a local gospel group, and it was incredible. It wasn’t about achieving something; it was simply about rediscovering the pure joy of singing. It brought me so much happiness and helped me reconnect with myself.
This shift in perspective is also one of the reasons I became an art therapist. I saw firsthand how creativity, when freed from expectations, can be incredibly soothing. In art therapy, it’s not about creating a perfect piece—it’s about expressing yourself and releasing emotions. What truly matters is the process.
The solution: how to reconnect with what you love
If you feel disconnected or feeling like something is missing, I encourage you to try these steps:
- Identify what you used to love doing : Think of an activity that used to excite you, one you might have set aside because life got in the way. Was it painting? Writing? Dancing in your living room?
- Acknowledge the hesitation : It’s normal to feel a bit disconnected from what you once loved. You might make excuses, feel awkward, or procrastinate. But know this: the longer you wait, the more disconnected you become from yourself. The things that once brought you joy can still do so if you dare to start again.
- Give yourself permission to start again : Start small. Whether it’s singing in the shower, sketching in a notebook, or dancing for a few minutes at home, allow yourself to enjoy it. No pressure, no goal—just for fun.
- Integrate it into your routine : Try to make space for this joyful activity regularly, even if it’s just 10 minutes. Little by little, you’ll see how it can lift your mood and help you reconnect with your true self.
- Let go of the outcome : This is essential. Don’t do the activity with the idea that it has to lead to something concrete. The goal is to savor the moment and let the joy fill you up.
Conclusion
In these difficult times, when everything feels so heavy and overwhelming, it is more important than ever to integrate activities that bring you positive emotions in order to live your best life. Whether it’s singing, dancing, painting, or simply resting, these moments elevate your vibration and help balance the negative emotions we accumulate each day. To feel more centered, alive, and at peace, do something that makes you smile, gives you energy, or brings you love and rest.
What if the things we consider 'useless' were actually the keys to our happiness? What if joy, rather than productivity, was the true measure of a life well lived?
Ultimately, doing what you love, even if it seems 'useless,' is far from a waste of time. It’s essential. When I stopped singing, I lost a part of myself. When I started again, I rediscovered a deep joy and balance. Through my work as an art therapist, I see how powerful creativity is in healing and reconnecting us to who we truly are. So, take a moment today to do something just for the pleasure of it. You’ll be surprised at how much it will nourish your spirit.
Key action :
Take 10 minutes today to do something just for fun. Choose an activity you used to love, whether it’s singing, dancing, painting, or something else that made you happy. Allow yourself to enjoy it without any goal or pressure. Let it lift your energy, your mood, and help you reconnect with your true self."
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