Finding Meaning in Things
When you're tired of waiting for The Void to give you answers
Today, I picked up a book, 99 Things That Bring Me Joy. A journal.
I was given some money as part of my birthday, almost three months ago, and told to spend it on frivolities. I’m still spending on frivolous stuff, using what remains of that Frivolities Fund.
This book caught my attention in my local Waterstone’s bookstore. It felt sufficiently lightweight for me to enjoy putting it to use.
This book has a satisfying heft to it. Its cover is textured, with gold leaf highlights, a cover which opens up on the inside to keep notes in, and the pages of the book are highlighted with cosy little sketches which act to jog your thoughts. Perhaps you like a combination of flavours; one page jogs your memory by asking what your faves are, e.g. honey on muesli; bananas on rye bread; a hot dog with mustard.
This is a book you can enjoy leafing through and either writing in directly, or perhaps grabbing a blank journal and writing and/or sketching in with your answers. Even pressing flowers in to the pages or newspaper clippings.
A good accompaniment for a book such as this is a youtube video of heavy rain sounds, which you can enjoy in bed while writing in your journal.
This could be the 100th thing that brings me joy - finding meaning in things.
I think the quest to find meaning in things - things done, as much as things owned - has occupied me for more than half my life.
A good example comes from today’s experience. I had a free day from work today, so I spent it on a bus, taking a long round trip around town, listening to the rain bucketing it down outside.
Wearing my shades.
There is joy to be had in the world. Sometimes, you have to experience it. Sometimes, you have to create it.