As I’ve been getting more into DIY projects and, as I call it, the hippie lifestyle, I’ve realized something: I’m happiest when I’m making stuff. In the past week, I’ve made a list of Denver breweries, laundry detergent, granola, chipotle ranch dressing, a playlist (I’ll post it soon), and a bracelet (pictured above, based on these instructions). I also ordered an ice cream maker (homemade ice cream was Ben’s idea and might be the best idea of all time) (of course I picked the color that’s not yet in stock) and signed us up for home delivery of hormone-free, local dairy products, including the cream for ice cream. (FYI, homemade ice cream does not appear to be a money-saving endeavor.)

I’ve always considered myself a person who enjoys a good amount of ass-sitting, as in sitting on my ass watching tv or puttering around on the internet not really doing anything constructive. I’m (finally!) figuring out that, although I still need some ass-sitting, I prefer being productive, especially when I can be productive in a way I enjoy. This involves projects I can complete in a limited amount of time and in a successful manner. As a person with ADHD, I don’t have the attention span for big projects, like crocheting a blanket or making a dress from scratch. And there are some things I’m just not good at, such as drawing, fiber arts, or pottery. I enjoy small projects I can do reasonably well, like baking and making jewelry and playlists.

Also, I’m a maker, not an organizer. You know those people who organize their drawers and kitchen pantries? Who even have kitchen pantries? Maybe they post something on Pinterest about how you, too, can have a beautifully organized laundry room and a closet full of perfectly folded fitted sheets? I’ll never be one of those people. I hate organizing, even if you make it look easy. I always get overwhelmed. I don’t care about having an attractive laundry room. And, internet, you will never make me care about folding fitted sheets, no matter how hard you try. (Although, that last thing about folding fitted sheets that made its way around the internet also included a tip about putting your bobby pins in upside down, and that’s just about the best tip I’ve ever read.)

If there’s anything useful here I can pass on to you, it’s this. When you find something you like doing, do it. Do it again. Do it when you’d otherwise be doing nothing. See how you feel. If whatever it is you’re doing makes you feel happy and kind of peaceful, keep at it. It’s one of the keys to happiness, I think. Fill your spare time with fun, constructive things and you’ll have less time for worry and stress. You probably already know this, but it’s taken me a while to figure it out.