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Constructively Replenishing

Using Discretionary Time Wisely
BY: T. Franklin Murphy | September 1, 2018  (modified January 17, 2023)

Glasses of water in various stages of being filled. A Flourishing Life Society article on replenishing
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​We prepare for challenges through knowledge and skill building activities. We must exchange our wasteful indulgences for rejuvenating and healthy enjoyments.

Life grinds us down, dulling our sharpness. Routine and boredom invade our tidy spaces, frighten our sensibilities, and warn of impending doom. If unprepared, these shifts of psychic strength can spook us into addictions and unhealthy escapes. We must replenish our minds and refuel our spirits.

To build resilience, we must actively use the present. A future of richness and opportunity is invited not stumbled upon. We don’t know which challenges the future holds; but we can reasonably ascertain that future holds challenges.
​
​​We must prepare for these unknown challenges through activity. We create a wider base of knowledge and expertise by being actively engaged in learning, not waiting to see what will happen first.

​We prepare by reading books on new subjects; taking college course to expand our knowledge; visiting new and fascinating places; getting involved in social activities to meet new people; practicing new hobbies; exercising a little more; or eating a little healthier. The list of constructive work available is endless.

A single change may not provide the ultimate meaning you sought; that is okay, try something else.


Developing Different Aspects of Our Lives

We achieve wellness and soundness of character through development on many plains:

  • our health,
  • our knowledge,
  • our competencies,
  • our relationships,
  • our spirituality,
  • and our financial security.

Each sector of human wellness becomes a pillar that we can (and should) constructively work on, utilizing the precious time when the necessary demands don't suck all he precious energy from our being. Instead of vegetating in mind destroying activities, we can constructively replenish, developing our bodies and brains.
 
We should enjoy our practices of constructive rejuvenation, not forceful engagements but enjoyable growth-promoting endeavors that add richness. A constructive life wards off the intrusion of unplanned amusements that do little but distract.
​

Engagement Gives Life Meaning

Through active engagement, we find new goals that give life meaning. Through active engagement, we learn as we are exposed to a much wider universe, and through our exposures, we grow. The routineness of life dissipates as we explore the mysterious overlooked opportunities for development.

​Until we explore, we will not know. Unexpected, we may stumble on new purpose, discovering a new calling, awakened to passions previously unrecognized. The dullness once overwhelming gives way to something better—an aliveness full of vigor and strength.
 
These exciting blessings do not materialize from nothing. They don’t jump to life from mind numbing television watching, or robotic clicks of the mouse. We must constructively reach beyond routine to escape the habits of thoughtless distractions, and purposely invite newness and opportunity into your soon to be expanding lives.
​
T. Franklin Murphy
T. Franklin Murphy
Wellness. Writer. Researcher.
​T. Franklin Murphy has a Bachelor of Science degree in psychology. He examines current and past psychological studies to enhance our  understanding human flourishing and  wellness. In 2010, he began publishing his findings.

Other Flourishing Life Society articles on this topic:
Internal Link: Flagship article. Ten Beacons of Light. Improving our lives isn't from following items on a simple list. Science, however, has provided some helpful clues to our pursuit of wellness. These ten beacons of light provide direction, lights that illuminate a path to growth.
Building Blocks of Choice. A Flourishing Life Society article image link
Patronizing Advice. The Curious Task of Writing About Wellness. A Flourishing Life Society article Image link
FLS Link. Burnout: We can deplete energy through emotions, mental and physical exertions. When we push too hard, for too long, we burn out. Recovery requires a lifestyle change.
Human Flourishing. Flourishing Life Society article link
Opportunity Mindset. Looking for and Taking Advantage of Opportunities. A Flourishing Life Society article link
Internal FLS link. Noble Eightfold Path: Ancient Buddhist wisdom that provides a practical guide for growth in the modern world.
Living with Integrity. Flourishing by Maintaining Personal Boundaries. A Flourishing Life Society article link
Healthy Behavior. Developing Character and Boosting Wellness. A Flourishing Life Society article link
There is a lot of hype on what we should and shouldn't do to be well. The mind and experience are complex. However, our lives improve immensely when we concentrate on a few of the basics.
A Flourishing Life Society Article Image link. Accumulating Troubles
Limitations of Grit. Determination Mediated by Wisdom. A Flourishing Life Society article link
FLS internal Link. My Amazing Discoveries in Wellness. We provide the unconscious mind with conscious work. The mind intertwines philosophies to create a personal narrative that promotes wellness.
The Law of Consistency. A Flourishing Life Society article link
Being Productive. Flourishing with Productivity. A Flourishing Life Society article link
Constructive Replenishing. Using Discretionary Time Wisely. A Flourishing Life Society article
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