What bores you?

How many times have I heard this phrase: “I’m so bored…”

What does it mean and why do people say it? By definition it means “not interested… feeling weary due to tedious activity.” Unfortunately, I’ve heard this statement all too often when I am interested in something and others around me are not so enthralled. Usually it has to do with some geeky interest I have, and I am left solo to enjoy it. As I think farther back, I remember living with others in my 20’s and hearing this same sentiment, despite the fact that I had been offering 20 different options for a fun night to my friends. It’s no random fact that I fell in love with the gal who chose to do fun things with me. We were often the last two standing on Friday night, ready to go do whatever silly, pointless, or just plain fun thing we threw together. Then there was no time to feel bored in my 30’s – little kids do that to you. I don’t know how many times I skipped around the coffee table in the living room with the kids following me dressed up as lions, with the Lion King soundtrack playing really loud. Too many to count, but I don’t remember ever feeling bored. I loved being silly with my kids and the way they would squeal with delight at our repetitive romps. The 40’s were busy in a different way, with intensity at work, and busy nights of cub scouts, girl scouts, basketball, volleyball, and friends. Have I ever been bored? For some odd reason, my personality does not lend itself to boredom, so I can honestly say that I have yet to encounter feeling bored. I have wondered if this is a character flaw: am I too type A, lead follow or get out of the way? Maybe I just don’t admit my boredom? Is my brain just running around the backyard doing zoomies like our golden retriever? Kinda cute but not very deep? Hmmmm.

I don’t know. So why did I choose to write about the things that “bore” me, if I just don’t get it? I am curious. I wanted to look inside and just think through this… maybe it’s ok to be a little silly, simple and lighthearted about things, and not be bored. My imagination might not be the hindrance in my life, but the spark that keeps me positive and interested in the world around me. So, what if people role their eyes and dismiss me… do I need to take that seriously, or just ignore it?

When I was younger, I feel like I took those looks to heart, and felt wounded. Now, I feel a bit more confident, and able to stand up for the right to have fun. I actually think that it is a healthy thing to purposely pursue: avoid boredom by choosing to see the humor, life, and joy in every situation. This choice can be made concurrently with the choice to be authentic and face the reality of sadness, grief and loss. I have often found healing by crying and laughing through bad situations, embracing the stark reality of the dichotomies of life.

So tonight, I am not bored. I think I will choose to be interested in what lies ahead and around me. My encouragement is to give it a try: Despite the fact that many things seem tedious, perhaps with some childlike delight, we can find joy in the simple, repetitive circles of life that pop up every day in our experience. And yes, I have looped back to the Lion King, running around the living room with the kids marching behind.