Whimsy:  A little playfulness, curiosity, and delight—enjoyed simply for its own sake.

Ask yourself:

• What delights me that doesn’t need to be useful?

• When did I start needing a reason to do something just for fun?

• Where could I leave a little room for the wonderfully unnecessary?

For example: While working on my first novel on a porch in Jamaica, I got caught up watching a little green lizard watching me. I wondered what he made of me—until he scampered toward a beef patty flake I’d dropped several moments earlier. I was imagining an unlikely friendship. He was waiting for lunch. I let myself get lost in the moment.

What would more whimsy look like for you?

• Which parts of your life feel chosen, and which feel inherited?

• Where are you still arranging your days around a version of yourself you’ve outgrown?

• What would make an ordinary week feel more like it belongs to you?

For example: Reclaim one evening from a commitment you no longer enjoy. Use it for something you keep saying you miss—even if that’s simply reading in a quiet room.

• What dream keeps returning, even when you try to be practical?

• If nobody needed to understand or approve, would you let yourself want it?

• What small step would make that dream part of your present?

For example: If you’ve always wanted to write a novel, give yourself one hour this week to write its first scene. You can begin before you know how the whole story ends.

• Who do you instinctively assume you’ll have something in common with—and who might you overlook?

• Which differences actually prevent connection, and which simply feel unfamiliar?

• What qualities make you feel understood, regardless of someone’s age, background or way of life?

For example: At a book discussion, strike up a conversation with someone outside your usual circle. Ask what stayed with them about the story. Leave room for their answer to surprise you.

• What would you try if being good at it weren’t the point?

• Where has “that’s not me” become a rule you’ve never questioned?

• What might you discover by letting yourself be a beginner?

For example: Join a sketching class because you’re curious. Let yourself make a wonky drawing and still enjoy the afternoon.

• What have you been waiting for someone else to want to do?

• How much of your enjoyment depends on having company?

• What would you plan if your own preferences were enough?

For example: Reserve an afternoon for a bookstore and lunch somewhere you’ve wanted to try. Choose both entirely to please yourself.