“The cure for boredom is curiosity. There is no cure for curiosity.”
Dorothy Parker
Reading that title, you may feel slightly confused. Rarely it is stated the word bored with a positive connotation. Most would call you lethargic, nothing in the head with a weak body to accompany it. Though, as I talk with people from all walks of life, students, workers, parents, it seems to be a common theme that living the boring life is actually the calmness many seek.
However, this is something that is not a present issue. A “boring life” is something that is achieved over a period of time, it is not so simple to acquire that lifestyle. Rather, it is more so the issue of not being an “interesting” person, somebody that is unique, having something to share.
Some feel pressured to maintain a conversation with someone with the worry of what that individual will think of them. Others struggle with coming up with a conversation itself, a talking point that is related between them. In the back of your head it continues to murmur, “I am boring”.
Let’s take a step back. Why is this always considered a negative? Should your life always consist of a series of situations or reaching constant milestones? No. If all you do for a week is read a few chapters of a book or run for a half hour, that is fine. Yes, it may seem stale as not much is happening in this week, but you are improving yourself, taking time for yourself, maintaining your time and your life.
The issue is people around us seem to indulge in numerous things throughout their week, and we compare our schedule to them, noticing how poor we are living compared to them. Do not compare yourself to others. This person is on their own path, and so are you. They published a paper? That is incredible! Uplift them and support them, but do not diminish yourself on that matter.
“Comparison is the thief of joy.”
Theodore Roosevelt
Now, you might have noticed the title states the word “somewhat.” Yes, I still stand by what I said about having a stale week, though there is activity happening. This is the difference of being boring, and choosing to be boring. Choosing to be boring is to do nothing for a week, only to find a source of leisure and leeching on it. You are choosing to not do anything, and that is the root of your stale life. Unfortunately, that is a hard truth, and no simple way to sugarcoat that.
That is not meant for you to read and suddenly shut off your phone and get to work on something. Rather, figure out why you classify your life as boring. If it is due to the reasoning I stated above, it might be time to reinvent yourself. Take it slow and dedicate yourself to slow and steady progress.
Moreover, if you want to include more in your life, find a community that speaks to you and activities that resonate with your values and interests. Mold your schedule to include more things you want to do and go to. It might seem difficult as first, as having a simple schedule is such a piece of mind, though these small changes could lead to thoughts of novel ideas, becoming the substitute for the fulfillment you were searching for.