What lights you up?
From music to art to golf and yes...even work, there are a multitude of ways activities enrich our lives. But as we experience new life chapters—from retirement to social distancing—those enriching activities many times need to be reimaged and even rediscovered.
For new retirees faced with an additional eight hours per day to fill, it’s a daunting task.
Cameo Rogers, Immanuel’s life enrichment manager, is an expert at helping retirees find their passions and it’s a topic she recently explored on our newest video series, Thriving at Home for Seniors.
For Cameo, finding enrichment begins with a little self-discovery.
“Take a look at the things you’re drawn to,” she said, which can include things like art, music, literature, research, social activities, giving and wellness. Even abstract traits like being excited by challenges or driven by competition can be clues to activities that bring joy.
If you’re unsure of what you’re drawn to, Cameo’s Mason Jar Challenge can be a good exercise to figure that out. Simply write things that interest you down on a slip of paper and place in a mason jar, basket or box. Every day, schedule leisure time to choose one activity out of the jar. Reflect on how you feel about the activity. Did it bring you joy?
Cameo even offers some great activities to get your mason jar started:
- Cook something new
- Complete a crossword
- Take a walk
- Learn a new skill
- Connect with family
- Start an art project
- Organize the family photos
View our Mason Jar Challenge free download for more ideas!
Life enrichment is a key element of life at Immanuel. Cameo and her team of experts help connect the dots for seniors looking for more joy, purpose and light in their lives. They work every day to ensure residents have a variety of tools available to find enrichment.
Whether you’ve recently faced a big life transition or are adjusting to a new schedule of social distancing, there’s no better time to ask yourself what things bring you the most joy. Then ask yourself, are those things part of your life every day?
Enrichment gives you the power to not just survive your days, but thrive in them. It helps you discover new passions, purpose and even friendships.
To learn more about enrichment at Immanuel and how to find more joy in your life, listen to our Thriving at Home for Seniors video series at ImmanuelDifference.org.