This project came into my life at the right time. I have been feeling very unmotivated to learn anything new or to pursue any new or old passions. A few things I have been passionate about over the last year have been 1) learning to play piano, 2) learning Italian, 3) running a marathon.
A few years ago I inherited a piano and decided to step out of my comfort zone and take lessons as an adult. I have been taking lessons for almost a year and can play a few songs. Since March I haven’t been able to meet with my teacher and my practice time has gone down significantly. Last week I decided to record myself and send it to my teacher. She was delighted and has started sending me her own recordings so I keep practicing. However, I have decided that while I will keep practicing I’m not going to focus on this passion for my genius hour project.
Learning Italian is something that I started almost 5 years ago, kind of just for fun and because it is very similar to Spanish. I have been using Duolingo however when life got busy with work and graduate school I kind of abandoned it. I considered going back to it for my genius hour project but after going through Duolingo, browsing through some of the books I purchased, and watching some YouTube videos I didn’t feel like I was fully committed to investing the time and energy to make this my project.
Running has been a way to manage stress and anxiety in my life. It allows me to have “me time” and afterward I always feel better. Last year I went out of my comfort zone and joined a local running group, trained over the summer, and ran my first half marathon. My goal was to run a marathon later this fall, however, that might not be an option with limited races available and a recurring injury.
Like many of you, I have been remote teaching for the last few months, while at the same time managing my kids' e-learning and daily life. While I have tried to be patient now and then I have found myself stressed out. My son pointed out that I was working too much and not enjoying the moment. I have forgotten how to have fun and “lighten up”. As I was reflecting on what I would like to pursue, what I would like to learn more about for my project I was browsing my bookshelves and saw a book I bought a while back The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin.
In her book, Gretchen tackles a subject or topic every month with the goal of creating her “own happiness”. As I was browsing through the different chapters I came across April: Lighten Up- Parenthood, May: Be Serious About Play- Leisure and thought this has the potential to be a great genius hour project. So I’m going to pursue the idea of creating my “own happiness project” using her book and other books I have available as well as online resources. Let's ignite some fun learning!
Like many of you, I have been remote teaching for the last few months, while at the same time managing my kids' e-learning and daily life. While I have tried to be patient now and then I have found myself stressed out. My son pointed out that I was working too much and not enjoying the moment. I have forgotten how to have fun and “lighten up”. As I was reflecting on what I would like to pursue, what I would like to learn more about for my project I was browsing my bookshelves and saw a book I bought a while back The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin.
Hi Inma,
ReplyDeleteI have completed two half marathons and was supposed to complete on in June as well. Although the race has been cancelled, I have been continuing to train and I am going to run the half marathon the day the race was supposed to be scheduled on. I have also considered signing up for a full marathon following my half. Do you think this could be a project that you go back to in the future? I want to make sure that I understand the Genius Hour Project that you selected. You intend to read the book and by the end identify your own "Happiness Project"? I like how you are taking measures to make sure the project that you select will be worthwhile and also feasible for you to accomplish. I wish you the best of luck in finding something that you can pursue.
Sincerely,
Morgan
Hi Morgan,
ReplyDeleteWhere was your race? A couple of friends and I are planning our own half marathon just to keep us going. I have continued training but have to scale back after injuring my hamstring.
I'm curious about her book and some of the ideas presented on her book and others that explore how we approach life, careers, passions, and relationships. I'm not sure if it will become a feasible project but I guess after a week I should be able to determine if this could work out.
Thanks,
Inma
Inma,
ReplyDeleteI like all three ideas. I ran a 5K, which is no where near a marathon, but it was probably the WORST idea I could have ever done! I am not a runner by any means haha. Learning a new language and piano to me seems difficult, especially Italian.
I am just curious on what your project is going to be. Are you creating a book in the same style as The Happiness Project? That sounds like something everyone needs to read, including me. I look forward to hearing your progress.
-Matt
Hi, Inma.
ReplyDeleteI just put The Happiness Project in my amazon cart. I also noticed that she has a 365 day journal as well, so I'm debating whether to add that to my cart as well. Seems like a great book, especially now that we are locked in our homes and away from so many things we used to enjoy. Learning another language is difficult, yet so rewarding. English is my second language, so I try to teach my children Polish, since I'm fluent in my first language. This summer my goal is to spend more time with lessons for them especially since we will have more time to provide for that learning. I can't wait to see what your finally decision on your genius hour project will be. These are all great ideas.