Month: April 2025

Neha Kaushik, Low Entropy Volunteer Writer

For the longest time, I lived for the future. Every decision, every sacrifice, every moment I let slip away was justified by the idea that something better was waiting for me just ahead. I built my life around blueprints, five-year plans, and meticulously crafted visions of the future, when I would be 30, 45 or 50 years old.

The future, however, never arrives the way we expect it to. My plans from my teens and 20s are now in archives, like a script that never could make the cut to become a movie.

Every time I finally reached a milestone I had obsessed over, instead of relief, there was another plan, another goal, another thing to chase. My life was an endless cycle of preparing for a future that, once it arrived, had already turned into the present—just as unsatisfactory, just as uncertain as the moment before.

The Lies We Tell Ourselves About the Future

Planning felt like power, and control felt like security. As if knowing what was ahead would somehow protect me from pain, failure or regret. And so I planned. I charted out careers, relationships, financial goals. I delayed joy, thinking that happiness would come later—when I got the promotion, when I met the right person, when I finally had enough money to buy the life I thought I deserved.

I planned for a version of myself that never quite arrived, always slightly out of reach, slightly better than who I was in the present. Happiness was always somewhere in the future.

The Anxiety of Expectation

The worst part wasn’t even the disappointment when the future looked nothing like I had imagined. The worst part was the waiting.

The sleepless nights filled with “what ifs.” The anxiety that came with wondering if I was on the right track. The stress of making decisions today that were supposed to serve a future I couldn’t even predict.

Expectations were my prison. 

I missed a lot—the laughter over coffee, the comfort of familiar streets, the quiet beauty of an unplanned afternoon—because my mind was always somewhere else, living in a future that was nothing more than a projection of my own fears and hopes.

Reality is Always Different Than the Plan

Nothing—and I mean nothing—ever happened the way I thought it would.

The person I thought I would marry became a stranger. The career I once dreamed of became a burden. The city I imagined myself thriving in became suffocating.

I had tied my happiness to an expectation that never materialized. It wasn’t until I truly sat with this realization that I understood something profound: the future is none of my business.

The Moment That Changed Everything

I can’t pinpoint one dramatic turning point where I suddenly let go of the need to control my life. It wasn’t a cinematic epiphany—it was a slow, agonizing unraveling. It was realizing, little by little, that my need for certainty was poisoning the very life I was trying to create.

I stopped planning out of exhaustion. Different questions surfaced in my head.

What if I let the future take care of itself? What if, instead of chasing a version of happiness I had constructed in my mind, I let happiness find me, in the middle of an ordinary day, in the places I wasn’t even looking?

Learning to Be Here, Now

It wasn’t easy. In fact, it was terrifying. To let go of control. To stop obsessing over the outcome. To embrace the idea that maybe, just maybe, life knew what it was doing even if I didn’t.

I started with small things.

• I stopped postponing joy. If I wanted to take a trip, I took it. 
• I let go of timelines. I stopped measuring success by arbitrary deadlines—marriage by 30, financial stability by 35, life figured out by 40.
• I allowed things to unfold. Instead of forcing relationships, friendships and career moves into predetermined shapes, I let them evolve naturally.
• I learned to sit in uncertainty. It’s uncomfortable, yes. But so is clinging to an illusion of control that never truly exists.

The freedom it brought was as delicious as tea brewed patiently on low-simmering heat.

The Truth About Living in the Moment

Living in the moment doesn’t mean being reckless or abandoning ambition or ignoring the future entirely. It simply means understanding that happiness is not a destination—it’s something that exists only in the now.

When you let go of the idea that life is only worth living once you reach a certain milestone, you start realizing that life is happening now.

In the way your coffee tastes on a quiet morning. In the warmth of a hand holding yours. In the laughter you didn’t see coming.
In the moment you finally stop waiting for the future and start being here, now.

Let Life Surprise You

I don’t know what tomorrow will bring. I have ideas, yes. Hopes. Dreams. But I no longer live under the illusion that I can predict it, or worse, that I should.

Because some of the best things in my life—the people, the opportunities, the moments that took my breath away—were things I never planned for.

So I let life surprise me.

And in doing so, I have finally, truly, learned to live.

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Leave your thoughts for Neha in the comments below. You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube to stay up-to-date with Low Entropy news!

 

 

Makayla Anderson, Low Entropy Volunteer Writer

Have you ever had a great time with friends, indulged in a hobby or taken a much-needed break, only to be hit with an overwhelming sense of guilt afterward? You’re not alone. Many people experience this strange emotional conflict, where enjoyment is quickly followed by feelings of regret, self-doubt or even shame. But why does this happen?

1. Society’s Productivity Obsession

We live in a world that glorifies hard work and productivity. From a young age, we’re taught that success comes from constant effort,  and anything less might be seen as laziness. This mindset can make relaxation feel “unearned,” even when it’s necessary for our well-being.

2. Personal Expectations and Pressure

If you set high expectations for yourself—whether in school, work or personal growth—you may feel like taking a break is a step backward. You might think, I should be studying instead of watching this movie or I could have used this time to work on my goals. This internal pressure can turn a moment of fun into a source of guilt.

3. Survivor’s Guilt or Past Trauma

For some, especially those who have gone through hardships like a house fire, financial struggles or loss, fun can feel undeserved. You may subconsciously think, How can I enjoy myself when others are suffering? or I should be doing something more meaningful. If you’ve faced difficult experiences, your brain may associate happiness with guilt, rather than relief.

4. Cultural and Family Influences

Some families or cultures emphasize sacrifice and responsibility over leisure. If you grew up in an environment where rest or fun was seen as wasteful or selfish, you might struggle to enjoy yourself without guilt.

5. Fear of Falling Behind

When you’re ambitious and driven—especially if you’re involved in multiple projects—it’s easy to feel like every moment should be used productively. Fun can feel like a distraction from your goals, rather than a necessary part of life.

How to Overcome Fun Guilt

Recognize that rest is essential—just like sleep, fun and relaxation are necessary for a healthy mind and body. Without breaks, burnout becomes inevitable.

Reframe your thinking—instead of seeing fun as a waste of time, view it as an investment in your well-being and productivity. A recharged mind works better.

Set boundaries with yourself—allow time for work, but also schedule moments for joy without guilt. If you plan fun activities intentionally, they won’t feel like distractions.

Practice self-compassion—remind yourself that you deserve happiness. You are not letting anyone down by taking care of yourself.

Acknowledge the source of guilt—reflect on why you feel this way. Is it societal pressure, personal expectations or past trauma? Understanding the cause can help you challenge and change those feelings.

Final Thoughts

Guilt after having fun is a sign that you care deeply about your responsibilities and goals—but it shouldn’t hold you back from experiencing joy. Fun isn’t the opposite of productivity; it fuels it. Allow yourself the space to enjoy life without regret. You deserve it.

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Leave your thoughts for Makayla in the comments below. You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube to stay up-to-date with Low Entropy news!

 

 

 

Alfie Lawson (he/him/his), Low Entropy Volunteer Writer

We have all experienced feeling guilty after having fun on some level. An uneasiness towards the simple act of relaxation, it’s ingrained in all of us. Whether you’re watching TV and finding it hard to switch off or you regret doing an activity you enjoy because you have other responsibilities, it’s a very human response. 

Is guilt that’s caused by fun something that should concern you, though? Honestly, no. Well, for the most part, probably not.

Guilt is an emotional response that sweeps over people easily, and in several forms. For some, trying to relax can trigger feelings of anxiety, whilst others might beat themselves up for not being productive. More often, I fall into the latter category—there is always something that, in my mind, I could be doing instead that’s a more valuable use of my time.

This might sound like more of an adult problem, but I can remember feeling guilty after having fun as a kid. To an extent, it’s instilled in people at an early age. We could be doing homework instead of gaming, chores over playing outside or, as teenagers, searching for a part-time job as an alternative to a whole host of more enjoyable things.

Perhaps it even fuels a collective unease in later life, where responsibilities and productivity are a greater priority. Our hobbies are fulfilling, but are they really the best use of our time? We’re now working to build careers, as well as a whole life for ourselves, so it takes more time and energy to sustain those things. That time and energy almost feels wasted if it’s not in a pursuit of self-improvement.

So, as a result, trying to relax can sometimes feel dirty. We’re guilty of having fun instead of being responsible, active members of society. Moreover, it’s far easier to feel the weight of the world on our shoulders. It might be survivors’ guilt, or just anxiety over being able to relax when so many others are suffering, depending on where you’re born or your circumstances in life.

It’s just a fact that we can’t control a lot of the things that happen in life, both within our own universe and around the world generally. So, if you experience guilt when trying to have fun, it can be very frustrating. Ideally, you want to be able to switch off, relax and balance that with fulfilling daily tasks and long-term notions of productive action.

Sadly, however, there is only so much time in the day. For me personally, some days I’ll set aside time to pursue a hobby, work on a project or plan something for the future, but I’ll get home from work and think, I. Just. Want. To. Crash. So I watch TV, or play video games, or go out with friends in order to switch my brain off. Subsequently, it feels like time wasted. On a subconscious level, I’m guilty of not being productive and being selfish. Because I chose to have fun. 

Even so, I know that’s wrong. Yes, we shouldn’t neglect our lives and exist only to goof off and be hedonistic, but there is a balance that everyone deserves to reach. Self-care is essential to our well-being. Sometimes that comes in the form of productive relaxation, such as a new hobby or a creative pursuit, but it can also just be having a good time with friends, or binging a TV show, or forgetting what time it is because you’re invested in something meaningless or daft. 

Everyone’s heard of the term “guilty pleasure” before. It can cover vast amounts of what many of us do to relax. It can be a rubbish TV show or another form of media not typically considered “highbrow,” or even something that feels slightly embarrassing to admit that we actually do. But it’s nonsense. 

Sometimes, we just need to reset, and there’s nothing wrong with that. Wasting time on things that are enjoyable or relaxing is not wasted time to us. It’s essential to who we are. And it’s important to remember that, as much as we may try to neatly organise our lives, having fun won’t always fit into a precise schedule. If you need to switch off and reset for a few days or a week after a stressful set of events, that’s fine. It’s also fine to invest heavily in being productive and then relax when the time feels right. 

To summarize, fun isn’t something that needs to be forced, and you shouldn’t feel bad when it is eventually time to commit to a so-called guilty pleasure. Just do you, and don’t forget to enjoy those moments when you’re having a great bloody time.

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Leave your thoughts for Alfie in the comments below. You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube to stay up-to-date with Low Entropy news!

 

 

 

Olivia Alberton (she/her/hers), Low Entropy Volunteer Writer

I think living in the moment is something that everyone strives to do. I have been told to “focus on the now” and “be in the present,” which I try to do most of the time, since time goes by so quickly. I do my best to soak up and bottle the moments where I feel joy and happiness. However, there are times when I falter, and as a result, stop living in the moment. Why does that occur, and can I stop this?   

As stated, there have been countless times when I have not lived in the moment. The number one reason why this happens to me can be linked to thinking about the “future.” I let the stress and uncertainty of what is to come ruin a good moment. One example that comes to mind is my university graduation. I had just accomplished a great thing, and after four years of hard work, I should have been celebrating. Of course, I was proud of myself and happy, but something was bothering me. In the back of my mind was a feeling of worry because I did not know what was next. The future was robbing me of my present because I was letting it. A key thing to note is that, when thinking about the future, stress, uncertainty and worry are extensions of that thought. For me, not knowing what was to come next was worrisome. I did not have a plan in place for the next chapter, and that consumed a lot of my thoughts and robbed me of living in the moment.

In addition, when we focus on where we think we should be, we forget to appreciate where we are, thus taking the present for granted. I think societal pressure makes it easier for us to stop living in the moment. There is a certain timeline that has been created for people: graduate post-secondary, travel the world, land that career job, get married, have kids. Older generations followed this template, and so it passed down to us. The world is such a different place from when our parents grew up, posing new challenges and new questions. On a conscious level, we know that there is no timeline to follow, because it is a made-up concept. It is our subconscious that makes us believe we are “behind.” It feels awful to feel like you are not where you are “supposed” to be, or to feel like you are last place in a marathon. Again, we know the marathon is made up, because you should not be running against anyone. The race is not even a race, it is your journey, but sometimes it is hard to believe. For instance, you could be having a great time either hanging out with a friend or grabbing a coffee by yourself, when a nagging thought from the back of your mind surfaces. When it surfaces, it feels like this cloud is floating over your head, taking away the sunshine, all because you were thinking about the future, dwelling on where you “should be.” 

Furthermore, I believe that our everyday routine can sometimes feel mundane, making us feel down and tired. Should we find the small joys in our routines? Of course we should. Making that first cup of coffee, feeling the sun on our faces or hearing the birds chirping could be examples of small joys, making us feel more in the moment. Should we expect ourselves to find those small joys all the time? No.

This brings us to our earlier question of whether we can always live in the moment. Is it important to live in the moment? Yes. Is it always possible? No, and I think that is normal and okay. Life is hard, and there are ups and downs. Some days it will be easier to be present and not dwell on the negative, while other days it will feel like we are just existing. Also, maybe some days we need to look to the future because the present moment is hard. The future can be associated with worry, stress and confusion. But there is another side to this word. The future does not always have to be scary. It can be exciting thinking about what we want to accomplish next, the places we want to go to and the people we have yet to meet. Maybe it is a blend of living in the moment and looking forward to the future that we should try to maintain. 

—  

Olivia is a McMaster University graduate with a combined honours in English & cultural studies and history. She loves to read, write and, of course, drink coffee.

 

 

 

Rowan Sanan (he/him/his), Low Entropy Volunteer Writer

It’s really no wonder why young people don’t tend to spend a lot of time out and about anymore. As a young person myself, having fun is linked to money. Every restaurant or club or gathering I go to, I’m looking at my bank account with bated breath. Even for gatherings in my own home, I’m anxious to head to the store and buy snacks for myself and my friends to enjoy—not even counting drinks, if they’re a part of the picture. It’s a very common thread nowadays for people to worry about how much they are spending while doing things that are meant to be fun, but with the cost of living these days it is hard to ignore. 

Many people equate money with happiness, thinking that the more material possessions or temporary pleasures that they have, the happier they will be. While this can be true for some, it is not sustainable in the long-term. Buying your own happiness and fun can lead to potential spending problems and disordered habits—which can lead to stress, shame or guilt. Social media can have an adverse effect on this as well, as it pressures us to keep up with others when we see their successes. This can mean pressure to spend more in order to get to the same place. It can also directly contribute to consumerism through the purchase of products that we simply don’t need. Of course, there’s nothing wrong with being inspired by a person you see online or choosing to get a product you see via sponsorship when you know you’ll use it, but the idea that we have to do these things in order to be happy or have fun is mostly untrue, despite that message being a very large part of advertising.

With costs of pretty much everything gradually and steadily rising, prices for hobbies and leisure increase too. With most of our effort and money focused on the things keeping us alive with roofs over our heads, any spending that would have gone toward recreation disappears, and it becomes very hard to even think about spending on a fun hobby or activity. Everything from travel to dining to concerts comes with a hefty price tag—but there are still alternatives out there that are affordable. To preface, this is not financial advice, I am simply brainstorming ideas to lower the anxieties that come along with trying to have fun. 

If jazz or classical music are your scene, you can check out local jazz clubs or community orchestras with lower ticket prices—and this directly helps your community thrive, too. If you enjoy travel, try booking your trips in advance and for off-season times to avoid hikes in prices. Set budgets and use more affordable transportation like transit or biking where possible—this helps you remain environmentally friendly. If you enjoy gaming, try looking for second-hand consoles or games, or visit a board game cafe with friends for a wide variety of games for a cheaper price. Second-hand bookstores are also a good call if libraries aren’t really your thing, and sometimes they carry more than just books. 

The future of having fun in the economy we find ourselves in seems uncertain. After all, at what point do minimalist and anti-consumerist trends end up causing more anxiety than just spending the money to have that fun? My thoughts are that it comes down to the individual, at least until the cost of living isn’t so high. There’s no one right way to have fun, but there are various ways to cut back on spending if so desired. There is likely always going to be a conflict between financial stability and letting loose—but that doesn’t mean you can’t have a fun and fulfilling life. 

Another interesting question is: can fun truly be found for free? I think it’s hard to say. Parts of it have to do with what we consider fun. For example, I enjoy playing video games as a way to have fun and unwind. A lot of the games I play happen to be free. That doesn’t mean that the devices I play them on are free, but there ends up being little to no additional cost for the ones I like. Alternatively, I can get a game with plenty of replay value to make up for the price I have paid for it. I think it is also important to get to know and use the free things in our own communities. Community centres provide amazing opportunities for people to relax, have fun, try out new hobbies and get involved in their community. Libraries are a great source of entertainment, especially in a digital age when people can rent books and even movies from their libraries to read on their phones. These methods of having fun don’t contribute to consumerism or cause any environmental harm, either. They help to bridge gaps of wealth inequality and financial divide by providing everyone the same opportunities. 

Having fun doesn’t have to mean destroying your wallet or your anxiety levels. It is important to ensure that fun and leisure are part of your life to avoid burnout and stress, so finding ways to cut down on the prices that come along with the things that bring you joy can be very helpful with alleviating stress levels. It’s easier said than done—but it is vital that we as a community come together to avoid burnout, support each other and live fulfilling lives, despite our worries over money. 

—

Rowan is a university student who loves to write books and poetry, read all kinds of books and spend time with his family and pets.

 

 

 

Sue Turi (she/her/hers), Low Entropy Volunteer Writer

I always thought silliness was universally appreciated. Mr. Bean, the Pink Panther movies . . . but a wedding came to define for me the limits of this “universal” acceptance of silliness. 

It’s the eve of my wedding at the home of my in-laws, and my family is about to be introduced to them for the first time. My invited family is small: my sister and mother. I’m nervous, as my mother and sister are rowdy when they get together, but I feel they’ll be on their best behaviour for this event. A hiccup though: they speak and understand minimal French, and are prone to silliness.

My family is from the UK and my soon-to-be husband is French. But that’s not all. My mother was raised in the theatre and my sister is a comic filmmaker. In contrast, my father-in-law is a two-star general nearing retirement and my mother-in-law is a homemaker.

A modest contingent of wedding guests have arrived: aunts, uncles, and cousins who are teachers, police officers and engineers from different regions of France. A few possess minimal English. I’m not sure they understand English swear words and slapstick, but we’re about to test it.

My sister arrived from the station five minutes ago. I can hear her voice outside as she curses loudly. Her suitcases are heavy. My mother, who was in casual conversation with me, stops to peer out the window and shout greetings to her eldest daughter, who yells back,

“Hi, ya ol’ bag!”

This is normal between my mother and sister. In the UK, calling someone an “old bag” can be in jest or an insult. It’s not clear where my family stands—somewhere in between maybe. They have what’s called self-deprecating humour. They laugh at themselves and mock each other mercilessly.

Introductions are made with the French family, then lunch is served.

My father-in-law, as a military man, likes to give toasts and formal speeches, especially around mealtimes. He takes his time, holding up his champagne glass, savouring every well-chosen word, and waits for his audience to react with laughter or applause. He smiles and makes what I assume to be a joke about how an expectant mother—referencing blushing me—should drink champagne every day to give her future baby curly hair. I laugh with everyone else, even though I don’t find the joke that funny, per se, just cute. But my sister lets out a loud sigh and rolls her eyes. My mother mumbles something under her breath.

I’m puzzled. Is it the joke? The language? Or cultural . . . 

My father-in-law has keenly noticed that my family are not eager adherents to protocol or to faking approval of jokes. During lunch, my mother and sister engage in banter between themselves, then attempt a loud conversation with my brother-in-law across the table in broken French. I admire my sister’s courage in articulating every word laboriously, but it’s in a performative way. I can’t help but wonder if she’s trying to feel the French language or mock it. But it’s mildly funny to watch, because she doesn’t seem to care how it’s received.

My soon-to-be husband accidentally drops his silver-plated knife into his plate. The loud clatter prompts an angry glare and reprimand from his father, and all the guests go quiet. My sister lets out an “oh my god” sarcastically, but suppresses an eye roll. My mother is suddenly being too apologetic and refusing third helpings.

After lunch, a plan is hatched to give my family a walking tour of the local town, the main street and so on. My sister is enthusiastic about the idea. She gives my mother a very boisterous slap on the behind in front of everyone, then calls her a “silly ol’ fart” for forgetting where she left her handbag. My father-in-law is looking at me disapprovingly and I smile sheepishly. He understands more than I thought. It’s my family, I want to say. Formal events make them nervous. But I question whether I’m confusing their silliness for rudeness.

The night is long before my big day. There’s still a pre-event dinner to get through with more speeches, toasts and adults-only Gallic jokes. There’s still the liqueur hour after dinner with vintage cognac, and I haven’t reached the altar yet. My sister’s eyerolls have become sheer pain to suppress as her F-bombs increase. She drops one every time something unexpected happens, like a bread roll falling to the floor.

Some people have heard about the eruption of Krakatoa, the volcano which blew its head off in 1883.

Well, that is what happened near the end of dinner. My father-in-law literally blew up. He screamed uncontrollably for 15 minutes at my sister, who broke down in a tsunami of tears while my mother sat shell-shocked. Some guests came to console my sister, but most looked stunned, pretending to not know what had triggered him (this time).

But I found out.

Unsurprisingly, my sister had accidently sat on the sweater of my mother-in-law near dinner’s end and swore at it. She didn’t know whose sweater it was; it was black on a black chair and in the way. She swore at it like the buttered roll that had fallen earlier to the carpeted floor. 

My father-in-law had exhausted his tolerance for “silliness,” and my bride’s bouquet was still getting adjustments at the florist. 

In hindsight, our two families needed more than Mr. Bean to bridge our divides.

—

Sue Turi is a freelance painter, illustrator and writer, crafting stories from her empty nest located just outside of Montreal, near the Thousand Islands of the St. Lawrence River. She also enjoys cooking, writing poetry and being au contraire when needed.

 

 

 

Cassandra Di Lalla (she/her/hers), Low Entropy Volunteer Writer

I’ve always been considered an “outcast” because I’m an extroverted introvert. If you know, you know.

My extrovert will only come out if I know you, I’m comfortable with you, and if I trust you. Otherwise, I’m 100% an introvert and completely anti-social. I won’t make an effort to speak to you or ever make eye contact with you if I’m uncomfortable or if I feel it’s too awkward.

I had a very hard time in school because I didn’t “fit in” in any groups and felt like I wasn’t where I belonged. So, parties of any kind weren’t my idea of fun. There’s the odd time where I’d go to the movies or go shopping but I soon realized that those people weren’t true friends. There was always too much drama with the girls and they were all talking behind my back. I can’t really say I made friends back in the day, and even in high school or college, I found it rough.

My idea of fun was spending time with my brother and parents. Honestly and truly. We’d go to restaurants, the movies, farmers’ markets, go for countryside drives, festivals, pizza night at home, play games, etc . . . I miss those days and I’d do anything to experience that all over again. You know, we all grew up and things changed. So many things that impacted our traditions. My brother and I moved out years ago because we both had significant others (who we’re still with), my father passed away from cardiac arrest, my fiancé and I live in the same city as my mother but we’re also a couple hours away from my brother and his fiancée, etc . . . Between all of that and different work schedules, it’s difficult to get together and keep the traditions alive (or at least some of them). It isn’t the same without my father around but we make sure to still include him even if it’s in spirit.

I’ve learned over the years that change is okay as long as you don’t forget your roots and everything you’ve done in life to get where you are now. As soon as you rid yourself of those thoughts, life becomes blurry because those memories fade more and more as time passes. 

As adults, we have different responsibilities that can also impact our definition of fun or at least what we do for fun. What we consider as fun can be wildly different than what others think it can be. My brother and his fiancée, and myself and my fiancé don’t have kids but we have dogs and cats. That’s still quite the responsibility and they still drain your bank account. So maybe our definition of fun is taking our dogs out while others might take their children out for the day. Or maybe it’s fun to be able to do your own thing without children or pets interrupting you during your “me time.”

I’ve learned that the simple things in life are the most pleasurable. There’s no stress when what you’re doing requires little to no effort or if it’s free of charge. There’s no pressure in doing something that you cannot afford just to impress people, or doing things that don’t make you happy just because it’s what society tells you to do.

There are alternative ways. For example: using a YouTube tutorial for a DIY project instead of paying for an in-person or a virtual class with an instructor. YouTube has plenty of videos so since not everybody learns the same way, it’s great to be able to pick and choose different videos that offer a variety of teaching styles as well. It’s fun to create and it’s fun to discover!

I was lucky enough not to have many responsibilities/chores as a kid/teenager but I was brought up by two phenomenal parents so I immediately knew that sharing is caring and that helping is selfless. I’d always give a helping hand but did I typically consider that to be fun? Nope. But now? Those typical household chores are so much fun for me. I know . . . crazy, right? I LOVE doing laundry, grocery shopping, cleaning/reorganizing, etc . . .

I’m also a homebody so I find joy in cozying up with a cup of tea and a book in hand or hangin’ out with my pets and watching a TV show. I enjoy taking part in webinars, or volunteering remotely for organizations. I really love to create and innovate so crafting is fun for me. If I am going out somewhere, it’s to admire nature’s beauty or watch live theatre. Oh, also to discover a new restaurant because I’d rather try new foods instead of going to a bar or a party and getting blackout drunk. I’ll have ciders, rosé, champagne, or any “girly drink” once or twice a year and that’s it. There are so many other things that I find amusing but it truly is a very personal thing for everyone.

At the end of the day, only you know what’s the best form of entertainment to suit your wants and needs so do it for yourself and not for other people. Do it now while you still can because life is too short to grow up so quickly and just forget all about the good old days and fun times you had. 

—

Cassandra Di Lalla lives life purposefully. She enjoys reading, writing and mental health initiatives. She’s an animal lover for life and an innovative individual always finding new ways to create.

 

 

 

Mahsa Sheikh, Low Entropy Volunteer Writer

In one of the most disturbing scenes of Stanley Kubrick’s gory The Shining (1980), wife Wendy discovers husband Jack’s massive manuscript with nothing but the proverb “All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy” typed in repeat. Jack, who is suffering from an apparent writer’s block, is on the onset of mania due to lack of inspiration as the deadline to submit his upcoming work of fiction looms large. In the scenes to come, we discover that the calm and quiet Jack has invited himself into proves to be nothing but problematic. The Shining, set against the backdrop of a quiet and comforting place to retreat to, raises the alarm about the dangers of burnout and refusing to take time for ourselves. 

The benefits of distancing ourselves from boredom, whether at work or in the household, and taking time to explore and examine our feelings and thoughts about what works (or does not), is more and more recognized in our day and age. Nothing is more unsatisfying than feeling bored and stuck. When we have too much or too little to preoccupy our minds with, or when loneliness grips our hearts, the immediate urge to amuse ourselves or to be amused is palpable. It’s at times like this that we come to acknowledge that fun and amusement are vital to our overall wholeness and well-being. 

Ideas about what fun is vary from one person to the other, and so do the ways and means through which we seek enjoyment or engage in fun activities. Nonetheless, there is a consensus among most on the necessity to impose limits on the amount of fun to seek and to let go of depressing thoughts in order to welcome hope and joy into one’s life. I wouldn’t have learned how to evaluate my circumstances or allow time to heal, had I not been living in complete and utter desperation in the past, had I not confronted my confusion over my state of affairs and how to handle dire situations in life, or had I not grappled with the idea that to enjoy life I needed to understand what things made me most happy. And that’s why I am of the opinion that as individuals we need to first and foremost grasp deep down who we are before we can start savouring the fruits of our efforts. Living a happy and fulfilling life comes at no cost if we apply the widely known—but mostly ignored—stoic principle: know thyself. And to make that happen, we might perhaps start with exploring the workings of our psyche. 

The psyche, just like the tip of an enormous iceberg that floats on the surface of icy waters, only reveals a small proportion of itself. We might be able to test its limits through exposure to pleasure and pain in life—be it through our attempts to connect and relate with others, or through actively engaging in logical decision-making, where we tend to either take ourselves or others into account. We might be surprised, but through a period of trial and error, we will get to learn about things like how best to enjoy ourselves and what things to do for fun. 

In the realm of amusement and fun, I daresay that I have been a rather late bloomer. I well remember that I used to enjoy spending time alone reading poetry, loved dancing to a loud beat, and was always ready for a challenge to recite songs and plays to please the crowd; I was indeed a happy child through and through and tickled pink at evenings spent in fun and games. However, I do not think that I engaged in those activities due to having been motivated to do so or encouraged to get involved in them. I was simply being myself without really aiming for or desiring anything, and despite them being the most authentic form of fun to be had, I can barely trace them back to my early years in college, and then . . . poof! They were irretrievably out of the window. That is why I have started to think that I started to truly enjoy myself when I began to actually make plans to spend time having fun, be it on my own (such as a day spent at the beach, enjoying a movie night at the neighborhood theatre or trying a new recipe) or in the company of someone I cherish. 

In the end, there might not be cups to measure out the level of fun to have—nor should there be, as we need to allow room for spontaneity and surprise in fun and amusement—but coming to an understanding of our values, boundaries and interests can ease the way to maximizing fun and introducing new activities to our daily routine, since fun is what we all yearn to have in life! 

May we all, like clams at high water, seize the moment and stay alive. 

—

Leave your thoughts for Mahsa in the comments below. You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube to stay up-to-date with Low Entropy news!

 

 

 

1. Chahbani (she/her/hers), Low Entropy Volunteer Writer

So what exactly is fun? Does having fun have a specific standard? Why are some people viewed as “meh” and others as funny-cool? I’ve been thinking about this for a while. Back then, the definition of fun was fairly simple. Given that I was born with four boys as siblings, I think games like cards, playing football as the goalie, building Legos and playing video games are enough to entertain you. Where I grew up, families would occasionally gather for summer vacations or weddings on the beaches. These were the most enjoyable days, when everyone laughed and made memories with simplicity. 

What was notable was how little we were required to evidence our joy. There was no pressure to prove we were having fun. Perfectly designed experiences or social media approbation meant absolutely nothing. Bringing people together and engaging in the now was simple. Little things, such as a new deck of cards or a new game became so exciting. Fun came from a sense of connection and creativity, rather than from expectations. 

As I aged, life became tough. There were the parties, outdoor activities and rule-breaking that defined teenage fun. Yet, because I was a lone girl, I was not allowed to engage in most of such activities. So, while others were sneaking out or going to events, I was still having fun doing the same things I used to do as a child. This was the first time I felt a shift—when my idea of fun no longer aligned with those around me. I guess I just became that “boring” buddy. And when people start to label you that way, it just sticks. I began to wonder: What is fun? Am I missing something? 

There was a lot of pressure to fit in during my teenage years, where your leisure created who you were. There was this feeling of exclusion when you didn’t belong to the “cool” circle or you didn’t go out during the weekends. I struggled with those feelings for quite a long time. While I did want very much to belong, I didn’t want to push myself into doing things that didn’t seem right for me. No one told me at that age, however, that fun could be different for everyone, that my way of enjoying life was just as good as anyone else’s. Those questions nagged me for years. But looking back now, I realize that I wasn’t missing out. I learned that partying is just one way to have fun, and it doesn’t define you or your ability to live.

As an adult, my definition of enjoyment has, once again, changed. I no longer feel guilty about choosing quality over quantity when it comes to spending my time: endless excitement or stuffing my schedule with activities is not what counts as fun. Instead, I’ve come to appreciate a slower, more meaningful pace. I prefer meaningful moments instead. As an introvert, I found out that being with people did not exactly equate to having a good time. I thrived in smaller groups with deeper interactions. After a while, the pressure to be socially active faded. I started to embrace alone time. Reading, long walks and meditation became very fulfilling activities for me. I just did not see Fridays and Saturdays as the best nights anymore. Some of my best memories, surprisingly, now happen to fall on a Monday or a weekday. 

What surprises me most is how much I value simplicity now. One doesn’t feel a need to fill the days with plans to qualify as living life to the fullest. A quiet evening with a good book or a random heart-to-heart discussion or discovering a new hobby can be better than any wild night. There seems to be a different kind of thrill in slowing down and appreciating the little things. Instead of following the crowd, it finally feels like I am living life on my terms. The experience of social anxiety made me value real coffee talks over shallow entertainment. You can’t fill emotional emptiness with anything material. It’s learning, overpowering and horsing around outside of my comfort zone that saves me. These are experiences worth being fed instead of those that suck precious energy out of me. 

I’ve also come to find that having fun used to frequently include avoiding reality when I was younger. But now that I’m older, I don’t require distractions to keep unpleasant feelings at bay. Facing those emotions head-on leads to growth. I now find joy in activities that ground me—like going for a hike, working on my emotional well-being or just sitting with my thoughts. That kind of fun feels deeper and more lasting. 

Given how social media, trends and virtual experiences have come to be associated with fun, I don’t think children are going to instantly comprehend this perspective. Still, I believe there will be some benefit to presenting these concepts in a nonjudgmental manner, because it can help young people realize that fun can mean lots of different things and they are free to decide how to find a balance. 

One thing that I’ve learned is that fun evolves with you. What excites you at one point in your life may not satisfy you at another, and this is fine. The trick is to be true to yourself, ditch external expectations and find fulfillment in simple things that make you truly happy.

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1. Chahbani has pursued several career paths over the past decade. She is now making a career change. Her purpose in writing is to share her thoughts and experiences with others in her own words. Sharing is caring.

 

 

 

Diny Davis (she/her/hers), Low Entropy Volunteer Writer

“Always appreciate the gift of life! Be happy and have fun.”- Michael Jackson

We all have hobbies we enjoy in our free time, but what if those hobbies could become a positive force in our daily lives? When I first started working out, it was just something I did to stay in shape. Little did I know that this simple hobby would become an integral part of my daily life.

Transforming a workout routine into a lifestyle doesn’t have to be a chore. In fact, it can be an exciting journey filled with discovery and personal growth. The key is to find ways to make exercise enjoyable and seamlessly integrate it into your daily activities. In this post, I’ll share my journey of how exercise went from a casual activity to a lifestyle I couldn’t imagine living without.

First Steps

My fitness journey began with a brisk walk near the beach when I was in Singapore in 2019. That walk near the beach motivated me to spend more time out there and helped me to connect with my thoughts. I wasn’t consistent before, and I didn’t even have a clear goal in mind. It was more about checking a box on my to-do list than anything else. 

The ocean being so vast, it started making me think that the worries that I had carried with me for years had been like a drop in the ocean. This journey started for my physical health without me realizing that it was changing my mental health in an amazing way. But being there gave me immense satisfaction, and I became consistent within a few weeks’ time. Now, I carry a piece of the ocean in my heart.

The Turning Point

Everything changed when I discovered that activities could change your perspective from negative to positive. For me, it was a mix of weightlifting, HIIT cardio, walking, cycling and aerobics. These weren’t just exercises; they were challenges that excited me and gave me a sense of accomplishment.

Creating a Routine

Consistency and discipline were key in transforming my hobby into a lifestyle. I carved out dedicated time for workouts, treating them as non-negotiable appointments with myself. This routine became as natural as brushing my teeth or having breakfast. It now plays a vital part in my daily routine.

Mindset Shift

I began to view exercise not as a chore, but as self-care. It wasn’t just about physical benefits anymore; it was about mental clarity, stress relief and overall well-being. This shift in perspective made all the difference and led to the best decision for me.

Healthy Eating Habits

As my commitment to fitness grew, so did my interest in nutrition. I started paying more attention to what I ate, not out of restriction, but to fuel my body for better strength, stamina and recovery.

Improved Sleep and Energy

Regular exercise led to better sleep quality and increased energy levels throughout the day. I found myself more productive and more present in my day.

Dealing with Setbacks

Not every day was perfect. Sprains, muscle knots and life events sometimes disrupted my routine. However, I learned to adapt and find ways to stay active, even when I couldn’t follow my usual workout plan. The constant urge to get back to my routine helped me to recover much faster.

Staying Motivated

To keep my enthusiasm high, I constantly set new challenges for myself. I track my daily fitness routine on my smart watch, and I feel immense joy even when I do just 1% better than yesterday, which helps me stay consistent.

Creating a Positive Mindset

Try to focus on the joy of movement rather than viewing exercise as a necessary goal. Celebrate your progress and the way your body feels after a good workout. This positive association will help make fitness a natural part of your lifestyle.

Where I Am Now

Today, fitness is an essential part of who I am. It’s not just about the physical changes, but about the confidence, discipline and joy it brings to my life.

Future Goals

Looking ahead, I’m excited to continue exploring new aspects of fitness. Whether it’s trying different sports or pushing my limits in strength training, I know there’s always room for growth and learning.

Transforming a workout hobby into a lifestyle has been a rewarding experience that has enriched my life in countless ways and didn’t happen overnight. It was a gradual process of discovery, commitment and personal growth. It’s shown me that, with patience, dedication and an open mindset, we can grow in ways we never expected.

If you’re just starting your fitness journey, remember that consistency and finding joy in the process are important. Your path might look different from mine, but the rewards of making fitness a part of your life are well worth the effort.

—

Diny Davis is an aspiring author who is passionate about fitness and a strong believer in the close connection between physical and mental health. She is a journalism, psychology and literature graduate, a loving wife and a caring mother who maintains a balance in her work and personal life while giving emphasis to self-care.

 

 

 

Grace Cheng (she/her/hers), Low Entropy Volunteer Writer

We live in a world often dominated by deadlines, responsibilities, and a relentless pursuit of productivity, so having fun can seem like a luxury, a fleeting moment snatched from the busyness of life. Nevertheless, fun is not just a frivolous diversion; it is an essential ingredient for a fulfilling and balanced life. Our overall well-being is enriched by creativity, strengthening relationships, reducing stress, and enhancing our overall well-being. Playfulness and joy can be strategically incorporated into your daily routines when you consciously apply them in your life. We will explore practical strategies and mindful approaches to cultivate a life full of laughter, excitement, and genuine enjoyment in this article.

Fun can be applied by recognizing its importance and prioritizing it. It is common for us to postpone joy, telling ourselves that it will be more fun “when we have more time” or “when things calm down.” The truth is things rarely calm down on their own. Making time for fun is as important as scheduling any other important meeting or appointment on our calendars. It is counter-intuitive to the spontaneous nature of fun, but this ensures that joy is not lost in the shuffle of day-to-day life. Ask yourself: What activities truly bring me joy? How do I make myself laugh? How do I spark my curiosity? As you answer these questions, you will build your personalized fun plan.

The next step after you identify your sources of joy is to actively seek out opportunities to engage in them. A fun way to do this might be to explore new interests, revisit old hobbies, or simply be more open to spontaneous adventures. Never be afraid to try something new! Don’t be afraid to explore your hidden passions and step outside your comfort zone. Try cooking a recipe you have never tried before, take a pottery class, learn a new language, or join a hiking group. Embracing these experiences with an open mind and embracing the unknown is key. The goal is not perfection, it is enjoyment.

Playfulness is an important component of injecting fun into your life beyond structured activities. By embracing spontaneity and finding humor in everyday situations, we can learn to see the world through the lens of curiosity and wonder. Find at least one thing each day that makes you laugh. Amuse yourself by watching a funny video, sharing a joke, or just enjoying the absurdity of life. Observe the small pleasures that often pass unnoticed in the rush of daily life and practice mindful playfulness. There is simply nothing better than waking up to a warm cup of coffee or the way the sun filters through the trees.

Being surrounded by people who make you happy is another crucial aspect of applying fun. Happiness and well-being are boosted by laughter and camaraderie. Spend time with people who share your sense of humor and enthusiasm for life. Consider weekend getaways, game nights, or a casual coffee date as possible activities. You can significantly boost your happiness levels by spending time with joyful people. Fun is contagious, and spending time with happy people can be contagious.

It is also important to remember how powerful it is to incorporate fun into your work routine. Despite the seriousness and responsibility associated with work, injecting humor and playfulness into your daily routine can significantly improve your morale and productivity. It might include listening to music during breaks, engaging in lighthearted banter with colleagues, or creatively approaching challenging tasks. Games and competitions can be incorporated into your workplace to foster camaraderie and friendly competition. To make your work environment more enjoyable and engaging, you need to create a positive work environment.

To apply fun, it is also necessary to relinquish control and embrace imperfection consciously. We are often driven by the quest for perfection, striving to excel in all aspects of our lives. As a result, stress and anxiety can develop, resulting in diminished enjoyment. Being more present in the moment and appreciating the simple pleasures of life is possible when we learn to let go of control and embrace imperfection. Be willing to make mistakes, to laugh at yourself, and to accept surprises. Life is full of imperfections and spontaneity, and that is where the fun can be found.

Fun is not just about participating in activities; it is also about cultivating a sense of gratitude for the joy you already have. Make sure you appreciate the little things in life, whether it is a sunset, a loving relationship, or a simple act of kindness. By practicing gratitude, you cultivate a sense of fulfillment and well-being by focusing on the positive aspects of your life. Consider keeping a gratitude journal, writing thank-you notes or simply reflecting on your gratitude every day.

The application of fun is a continuous process, not a one-time event. Developing a playful mindset and prioritizing joy require conscious effort. Life can sometimes feel overwhelming, and fun can seem impossible. At these times, it is especially important to take advantage of every opportunity to spread joy. Taking a short walk in nature or listening to your favorite song can significantly improve your mood and well-being.

In summary, incorporating fun into your life is not about escaping reality or shirking responsibilities; it is about enriching your overall well-being through joy, playfulness, and a sense of wonder. You can transform your life into a vibrant tapestry of laughter, excitement, and genuine enjoyment by prioritizing fun, cultivating a playful mindset, surrounding yourself with joyful people, and practicing gratitude. It is important to remember that fun is not a luxury, it is a necessity. A fulfilling life is fueled by passion, as it ignites creativity, strengthens relationships, reduces stress, and gives you a sense of fulfillment. So, let us start today and discover the power of joy as we apply fun to our lives.

—

Grace has an accounting and finance background. She enjoys reading, writing, listening to music, watching movies and playing sports.

 

 

Lauren Long (she/her/hers), Low Entropy Volunteer Writer 

When does a hobby change from a pastime to a lifestyle? I answer this question daily as my pole dancing journey progresses. 

When I started, I wanted to learn how to pole dance and stay consistent after briefly experiencing it in university. I never dreamed that pole dancing would transform me in every sense and become such an integral part of my life and identity.

I have trained at home for the past five years through online tutorials and exercises. In that time, I’ve lost weight and kept it off, with the exception of last year when I lost myself following personal losses. It took awhile, but I am back to training regularly and taking control of my life again. 

My interest in pole dancing started in university and was reignited in 2019, but it wasn’t until 2020 that it became my lifestyle. With the worldwide outbreak of COVID-19, I began working out at home full-time, and alternated between pole dancing, cardio and resistance training. 

As I became more invested in pole dancing, I realized that lifting weights wasn’t producing the strength I needed for pole, and I knew something had to change. 

If I wanted to build the strength needed to lift myself onto the pole, I knew I had to make another adjustment, and decided to try calisthenics after seeing a video on YouTube. Afterwards, I reached out to my instructor and asked if weights or calisthenics were better for pole and she told me to focus on calisthenics and flexibility training, and to make an effort to build in time for each. 

Here are the five main components of what training pole requires physically: 

1. Strength
2. Flexibility
3. Balance
4. Endurance
5. Agility 

It is important to build a foundation in these on and off the pole. On the days I’m not training pole, I perform exercises that require the continuous building of strength, flexibility, balance, endurance and agility needed for me to train safely and efficiently. 

On the mental end of the training spectrum, here are a few examples of what is required for pole dancers to get the most out of their training sessions: 

1. Concentration
2. Rest
3. Complete Control Over Mental Faculties 
4. Determination 
5. Playing Music While Training

Just as the physical components go hand-in-hand, the five mental elements tie together as well. It is essential to be well-rested before a training session, because our bodies produce a growth hormone during sleep that adds to tissue growth and repair, influencing our energy and pole practice. If I don’t sleep well the night before, I stretch or take a rest day.

Pole dance is high-risk, and if you’re exhausted and you train anyways, you’re more likely to hurt yourself. No matter what the injury is, it can set you back. Never attempt a pole practice under the influence. 

On a lighter but serious note, determination is important for pole dancers, because how else would we be inspired to do our crazy awesome tricks? That being said, it is imperative that we don’t become discouraged when a training day doesn’t go the way we want, which can be tough. Pole dance takes hours of practice, dedication and determination, and there are days when I feel dejected because I’m not where I would like to be, or I’ve tanked a move I have done perfectly before, and I have to remind myself that tomorrow’s a new day and I can always try again. 

Finally, playing music while training improves intellectual stimuli, motor control functions, and emotive inspiration. What I listen to while training depends on the day and my mood, so I’ll listen to Taylor Swift one day and then switch over to an R&B/soul or soft pop playlist the next. 

Before I twirl off to go for a spin on the pole, I’d like to share some pole dancer quotes and sayings: 

1. “Pole dance is a passion, an addiction, a sometime obsession, a lifestyle, a discipline, an art.” 
2. “Point Your Toes!” 
3. Pole Kisses 
4. “Hold It!”
5. “We’re not even going there!” 
6. “Stop bobbing your head.” 
7. “Never mess with a woman who hangs upside down for fun.” 
8. “I don’t pole dance because I’m strong, I’m strong because I pole dance.” 
9. “Yes, it’s a sport and I’d like to see you try it.” 
10. “It will hurt. It will take time. It will require dedication. It will require willpower. You will need to make healthy decisions. It requires sacrifice. You will need to push your body to its max. There will be temptation. But I promise you, when you reach your goal, it’s worth it.” 
11. “Never compare your pole style with others. Your journey is unique. Own it and make the best of it.” 

And my personal favourite: 

1. “Your pole is the canvas, your body is the brush, your soul is the paint. We all have the ability to turn a self-portrait into a masterpiece.” 

—

Born and raised in Quesnel, BC, Lauren Long is a strong advocate for mental health and well-being, as well as being a major Swiftie and a role model for positive body image. When she’s not writing, you can find her on the pole, on the training mats or curled up with a good book.