I used to do stuff for no reason. As a kid, I felt like it, so I did it. I’d be creative in the most weird and wonderful ways.

When adults used to ask me why I was doing something, my go-to response was “because my brain told me to”. And I’d carry on. That was more than enough reason for me.

Fast-forward a few years and expectations started to emerge. Voices and judgments from other people about what I should or shouldn’t be spending my time on. What was “cool”, or “worth doing”.

Eventually I lost touch with the ability to even know what I loved to do. Everything was filtered through what other people thought.

I know I’m not the only one. A lot of people would feel infinitely more fulfilled if they spent more time doing what they loved, for no other reason.

Don’t get me wrong, it’s not an easy thing to change. Unlearning never is. There’s guilt (I should be doing X, not Y). And there’s worry (can I afford to do not do X… what will people think if I do Y).

Screw that. It’s your life.

Start small. That thing you love doing but can’t justify spending time on? Baking cupcakes… building LEGO… making hats out of dry pasta… whatever. Can you find a small amount of time for it? Bonus points if other people might disapprove.

Those things you love are what make you awesome. Go do them!